Among all genres of church hymns , akathists should be especially noted. The fact is that this is one of the most solemn and significant types of anthem. This is indicated even by the fact that during its execution it is impossible to sit. However, the word "akathist" has not one, but two meanings.
Firstly, the solemn so-called Akathist to the Blessed Virgin Mary is directly called that, which is performed on the fifth Saturday of Great Lent. The second meaning is a special genre of church hymns in which the Lord and archangels are chanted. Among these works is an akathist to the archangel Michael. Consider this genre in more detail.
Akathist to the Archangel Michael: the evolution of laudatory hymns
At the end of V-VI Art. n e. There was a new genre of hymnism - kondak. This is a multi-line anthem that contains 18-30 ykos (or stanzas), which are very similar in rhythm and number of verses.
Considering the akathist to the archangel Michael, at the very beginning you can see the introductory stanza - maize. It differs in the melody of the text, but is similar to icos by refrain. The last stanza contains a prayer appeal to the person to whom the akathist is destined. So, the akathist to the archangel Michael contains the chanting of the latter just in the final stanza. The entire work is built in such a way that the soloist sings stanzas and cuckoos, and the rest is the people or the choir of singers.
Why and why is the akathist Archangel Michael performed?
The text of the work speaks for itself. Since Michael is the supreme archistratig of the host of heaven, he is also the patron saint of all soldiers and soldiers. This akathist is recommended to be performed by the mothers of those who are in the service. Also, the archangel can ask for any form of protection. The only limitation is that you must be pure in your soul, do a just thing and not go against divine providence. Only in this case the great commander of the angelic army will help you.
But the akathist to the archangel Michael is far from the only way to communicate with the great divine essence. Since Mikhail was precisely the archangel who overthrew Lucifer to Hell, by default he stands on the side of all unjustly offended, deceived and abandoned, moreover, he can and should be addressed in extreme stressful and dangerous situations. To do this, it is enough just mentally with all faith to call the archangel and ask in your own words for help. Of course, we can say that cases of miraculously getting rid of problems are a mere coincidence. But, as you know, there are no atheists in the trenches and in the falling plane. Therefore, the akathist to the archangel Michael can be performed before important events.
Archangel Michael: an alternative view
According to the theory of the universal Hierarchy, Archangel Michael is responsible for the first ray of Will and power, personifying the zodiac sign "Aries", a fierce battle and perseverance in achieving the goal. Again, this view does not contradict the generally accepted, since even in this - alternative - version, the archangel acts as a defender and fighter for justice. Therefore, even if you are closer to the second, non-Christian version, it is possible and necessary for Mikhail to perform akathist. In any case, you decide when and how to praise or ask for the help of the archangel.