In the writings of the children of Israel, a fusion of truth and gratitude sought to imbue the comforting image of the Leader with traits of glory and everlasting life, for whose absence “all Israel wept and mourned with great weeping.” Are we not rejuvenated by these ancient figures? Do they not now seem drawn from the exalted visage that occupies the thoughts and hearts of you, sons of Russia, who stand before God in mourning? Let us together designate the long-prepared gravestone for the fallen ruler: “Salvation was achieved through his hand; he troubled many kings and uplifted Russia with his deeds, and his memory shall be a blessing forever.” He was indeed a harbinger of “salvation,” and shall we languish in a fruitless sorrow for him? While he caused grief among our foes, he brought us “joy,” and shall we, by our inconsolable sorrow, disturb his solemn rest and bring delight to our adversaries? His memory is “even unto the ages of ages for a blessing.” What place is there for complaints and laments? Do not depart from us, eternal memory of our wise and God-favored Leader; comfort us with the blessings and praises that trail alongside you. Cover, if you cannot heal, our sorrow, that it may not offend the Everlasting One! But know this: just as flowers do not bloom under stormy skies and fruits do not ripen in the rain, so too do the praises of the undying struggle not flourish amidst the storms of death and weeping. The more generously one sows, the longer the harvest will be delayed, for a weak hand cannot bind the branches of olives and laurels.
Let us heed the nurturing guidance of the Church, which teaches us to lighten this burden and fulfill our duty in this solemn mourning. She allows the blessings and praise that accompany the memory of the blessed departed to ascend to this sacred place to instruct those who remain; she permits the glory of mortal beings, now immortal, to approach the altar, prostrating before the glory of Him who lives forever. She desires us to exalt the Invisible One, the only true Source of salvation, above the mournful herald of our visible salvation. “The Lord is salvation” (Psalm 3:9). “The Lord is with the mighty” (Judg. 6:12), choosing, instructing, testing, preserving, lifting up, and crowning, giving and taking from the world. This truth now stands before us for contemplation, reflecting on the life and deeds of Michael, the eternal Archistrategos of Russia, the illustrious Prince of Smolensk. We do not wish to obscure your brilliance, O most splendid one; instead, let us magnify it with the highest glory, for what greater fate could there be than to be chosen, prepared, favored, and adorned as an instrument of the Almighty?
You will not interrupt our conversation; rather, you will initiate it yourself, for our hearts resonate with your voice. In a time of victories and glory, when you turned towards your homeland, recounting the wonders of battle, you set the glory of the earthly leader aside, and proclaimed, “Great is God!” These words open the report—dated October 28, 1812—from Yelna. “Truly great is God!” It is He alone who holds greatness in both the lofty and humble matters of Earth. If wisdom instructs us to seek greatness where wisdom, goodness, and power converge, where then shall mankind find the essential center of this unity, the original Source of all perfections, save in the Triune One, from whom truth illumines thoughts, goodness fuels desires, and power empowers actions? Faith encourages us not merely to investigate but to feel and humbly call upon the Father in heaven, “for His is the kingdom, the power, and the glory.” While some Christians confess this omnipotent kingdom daily with wonder, as inhabitants of cities far from the throne city intone about matters of power, those with sincere hearts, drawn nearer to His invisible throne, perceive and sense His presence, not only yielding to His authority, but asserting leadership over their tongues and declaring to all nations, “As the Lord is the kingdom, and He governs tongues” (Psalm 21:29). The kingdom of the Lord is “the kingdom of all ages, and His dominion in every kindred and generation” (Ps. 144:13). The fleeting kingdoms of men are meant to serve this invisible kingdom, and the powerful are swept aside from its guardianship.
Having bound nature by necessity and “leaving man in the hand of his own will” (Sir 15:14), the great Artist of the universe touches the intricate weave of natural occurrence and free will. By unseen threads or visible tools, He crafts and connects all into a beautiful tapestry of world events, revealed over time to the astonishment of eternity. The diverse conditions of earthly citizens are constantly directed by Providence to form heavenly citizens, as it operates both through society upon mankind, and reciprocally through mankind upon society. Through this divine orchestration, “tongues that rise against the Lord are chastised with a rod of iron, and like fragile vessels they are shattered” (Psalm 111:2, 9); the repentant are “built up and planted” (Jer. 18:9); those who endure trials are brought into peace (Ps. 65:12); the elect of the Lord are elevated (Ps. 88:20); those called to do the will of Providence are “supported by His right hand” which “levels the mountains before them and shatters the gates of brass” (Is. 45:1-2). Meanwhile, “let the exaltation of man be humbled, and the Lord alone be exalted” (Is. 2:17). The fate of the multitude is at times concealed within the unknown hand of a single mortal, and the outcome of every powerful individual encompasses innumerable events beyond human comprehension and control. If the Sovereignty of God subjects us to a certain fate, it is a destiny designed in wisdom. If it seems to impose constraints, it is only on obstinacy and rebellion. If it humbles, it humbles those who think they are the architects of their own greatness, dreaming of ascending “above the clouds and becoming like the Most High” (Is. 14:14). Yet when it elevates the wicked, it does so as a mere rod, destined to strike the guilty and ultimately be destroyed and discarded.
Contrarily, those who seek only the glory of God and the well-being of humankind find hope and security in submission to Providence; in His authority, they locate the foundation of their strength, and in His glory, the source of their excellence. The wonders of wisdom and goodness unfold in the execution of His will and the endeavors of the faithful. He observes them before their eyes beholds His light; from the beginning to the end of their journey, He watches over them as the apple of His eye, bestowing gifts of nature, teaching by example, imparting wisdom through experiences, refining through trials, strengthening through prosperity, guiding in ways of righteousness, navigating through darkness, “bringing them out into a broad place” (2 Sam. 22:20), shielding in peril, invigorating in deeds, providing salvation and joy to nations in life, crowning in death, and ultimately accompanying glory and blessings even to the grave.
The human gaze is barred from penetrating this intricate temple of Providence, where it creates and nurtures the architects of our nation's welfare. When they step forth into their destined roles and fulfill their service, the radiance of God’s handiwork shines forth alongside the wisdom of the Creator. Looking upon the rescue of a nation accomplished, one invariably sees its deliverer as the salvation of God. The people of God have no homeland; in a foreign land, they suffer under a heavy burden and endure labor, condemned to destruction rather than reward. At such times, the Lord looks upon the child condemned to die, sends him to the court of the very king, nurtures him in the wisdom of the oppressing people, fills his heart with love for his kin, provokes his spirit by the injustices of his oppressors, tempts him through anguish and subjugation experienced in the king’s palace, empowering him through His presence—behold Moses, the unarmed victor of the Hebrews, “a god to Pharaoh” (Exod. 7:1).
The people of God, suffering under foreign domination, are nonetheless cared for by the Lord, who while punishing seeks not to cast them away: He “raises judges for them, and delivers them from the hand of their oppressors” (Judg. 2:18). Thus, the angel appears to Gideon, proclaiming, “The Lord is with you,” and amidst fear he assembles a great army. Yet it is by God's hand that the deliverance from the enemy is orchestrated. The afflicted people are under the dominion and surprise of tongues. The One who initiated this calamity beforehand prepared a healer. Jerusalem, unware of its impending doom, is addressed by “He who created the future one” (Is. 45:11): “You shall be exalted.” He who calls things that are not as though they are (Rom. 4:17) names Cyrus, who has yet to be born, “My shepherd and anointed one,” promising to compel tongues to obey him and dismantle the fortifications of kings, in order to rebuild the city of the Lord and restore the captivity of the Lord’s people (Is. 45:1-13).
Now, the people are without governance, without law, around Jerusalem without home, around the temple without worship. In this day of judgment, who would have imagined the restoration of overthrown Israel, if He who averts wrath from them had not turned towards them in mercy once again? God willed it so; and entrusting His holy zeal and inspired by the example of his Father, Maccabeus arose with a band of faithful children of Israel, scattering the multitude of the persecutors, cleansing the holy city, reestablishing the splendor of the temple, gaining powerful allies for the people of Judah, and—returning once more to his writings—becoming a timeless hastener of God’s salvation: “salvation was achieved by his hand; many kings were troubled, and Jacob joyful in his deeds, and his memory shall be blessed even unto the ages of ages.”
But why, as we yearn to behold the wonders of God’s Providence, are we compelled to always direct our gaze into the distant past? As if the greatness of God “passes away” alongside “the image of this world” (1 Cor. 7:31), and “the kingdom of all ages” (Ps. 144:13) remains only in the ruins of antiquity. It is as though God, who once identified as “the God of the living” (Mark 12:27), has transformed into the God of the dead, leaving us unable to perceive “the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Ps. 26:13). O world that stands against God even as you profess Him! You seek Him in the remoteness of history, unwilling to recognize Him who is near, “For in Him we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:27). You relinquish to Him a realm of memory estranged from you while desiring to reign over the present through mere chance, or to divinize the thoughts and passions of man. If you cannot perceive how “the day of days bursts forth with the voice” (Psalm 18:3) of eternal glory, take a glance at this silent coffin, which speaks to this altar, and know that the present resonates with the past—that there is One “who is, and who was, and who is to come— the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8).
It is no mere coincidence, dear listeners, that we remember today the immortal Michael alongside the eternal Maccabeus. The Church foreshadowed this union through her yearning and divine foresight; Providence validated her desire with an occurrence. Recall this significant day of faith and love for the homeland when the Church, stirred by peril, called to you, esteemed Russians, from this very altar, “that the Lord may raise new Maccabees among you.” And who but Providence orchestrated the Church’s yearning for this foretold event? Who, responding to that plea, raised up a man whose deeds and destiny could scarcely be expressed more fittingly than by the writings of Maccabeus? Who designated even the name of this man to echo the name of Maccabeus, that these two names, like their bearers, proclaim “Who is like God”? But let us retrace the life of Smolensk, its history, and touch upon the marks of Providence inscribed upon it.
In natural gifts lies the initial guidance for life, revealing the budding traits of one’s purpose. If we could apprehend the complexities of these divine marks and comprehend their significance from the outset, we might have long recognized Michael as one marked by nature—or rather by its Creator—for a great purpose. A mind in which profound knowledge and fine arts coexist harmoniously must appear born not for singular paths, but for the entirety of public service and glory. This steadfastness, unshaken by fear or suffering, along with a tranquil acceptance of his fate, was prepared for actions from which thousands might falter if not supported by a singular head. His astute insight and diligence suggested the cunning adversary that awaited him in battle. However, Providence, which meticulously orchestrates and prepares its instruments, often conceals them from human sight, as they might, instead of assisting, sometimes hinder the divine purpose.
The course of life, carved by Providence through the talents bestowed upon man, is generally charted by education. Michael’s upbringing, like that of many, may not have foretold his whole destiny, yet the fulfillment of his fate demands that we honor his past. His formation took place within the loving bounds of the familial sanctuary and military ranks, sheltering him from the superstitions related to foreign enlightenment and education. The nation bestowed upon him profound honor, having Smolensk without relying on external influences; this upbringing imparts a vital lesson for our age: that worthy sons of the homeland are not born of foreign instruction. From an early age, Michael was guided by commonplace tutors, and until just 15 years of age, he grew in the Artillery Corps. At 17, he commanded a company in Suvorov's regiment, cultivated for extraordinary tasks.
Indeed, he was placed upon a field where, as his formal education bore its fruits, and his love for the homeland blossomed through deeds of valor, the highest institution for great men—the school of living examples, experiences, and hardships—revealed itself to his potential. Zadunaysky, Tavrichesky, and Rymninsky emerged as his leaders, witnesses to his valor, enlightening patrons of his wisdom. He marched under the guidance of these leaders, engaging in renowned battles, sometimes breaching formidable fortifications, traversing natural barriers, exhibiting bravery, and exercising perseverance. If the testimony of a hero is essential for a hero, and the wisdom of the sage significant for the sage, it is notable that the leader who prized collecting laurel for himself named him his “right hand.” Following the capture of Ishmael, Suvorov acknowledged that M. I. commanded the left wing but was indeed his right hand.
However, we must keep our remarks within the allotted bounds, and not delve deeper into every trace of our hero in that battlefield, where he had already become an exemplar for many, yet had not fully detached from the ranks of officers, nor stood alone in glory. Instead, let us rejoice in the sacred marks imprinted upon him by Providence, confirming his divinely ordained nature. I speak of his miraculous wounds, which should have drawn deep contemplation from those who analyze him; rather than outward tokens of dignity that attract the attention of the unreflective, they hold enduring significance. This steadfast champion of the homeland, who endeavored for the safety of his people, received two life-threatening wounds.
In the first Turkish War, he fell at Perekop when a bullet struck his left temple and passed through his right eye. His second wound occurred at Ochakov in 1788 when a bullet broke into his cheek, exiting the back of his head. The instruments of war seem to have deliberately targeted the wisdom and insight of this remarkable leader. Those witnessing his grievous wounds placed in their hearts the certainty that this would be their final sight of this wounded warrior; yet, upon learning he still lived, they hesitated to trust in his survival. When God restored both life and clarity of mind and body, Michael found new knowledge and purpose through the very affliction of his first wound, leading him to travel for healing, at the behest of the blessed memory of Empress Catherine II, to Germany, France, and England—evidently displaying how treasured he was in Heaven and what high service awaited him.
However, after these notable adventures, Michael's future was shrouded in many mysteries, unobserved until the letters of fate revealed his final destination. For many years, he lay dormant, his sword either resting or gleaming without a foe. From 1793 to 1805, while he commanded troops at times, he was not engaged in combat. He sought alliances with his sovereigns, striving to establish or renew treaties. He served as Ambassador Extraordinary in Constantinople, took on missions at the Court of Berlin, and accompanied the King of Sweden on multiple occasions. Additionally, he was a vigilant protector of national order and peace, serving at various points as military governor of regions including Lithuania, St. Petersburg, Kiev, and Vilna. Finally, after offering the best years of his life to three emperors and his homeland, he seemed poised to transition from public toil to familial tranquility.
Before his appointment to aid G. I., he spent time in his estate. Providence, however, guiding him across regions and nations of his homeland and Europe, prepared him for a profound understanding of both, as he would become the pivotal force navigating their opposing forces. Ultimately, the divine path of this patriot lay hidden in the humble halls of domesticity until the honor of this champion was magnificently revealed. With a sudden summons, the scepter of Alexander unveiled before him a vast arena, calling him forth to support an allied power against a threatening giant wishing to overthrow the old order. The loyal subject, like an arrow, surged toward the intentions of the wise and benevolent Monarch; yet when help was thwarted by unwarranted recklessness and he, with a few companions, faced a powerful and audacious enemy, both the homeland and Europe recognized that Michael was destined to lead the charge.
Not dissuaded by his circumstances, he led his small contingent unscathed before the valiant enemy, successfully confronting and defeating them at Kremes. He triumphed, recruiting captives while making his adversaries weigh down with spoils rather than aggression. Though circumstances were not yet ordained to crush the pride of the enemy, Michael was permitted a glimpse of his future adversary. The year of darkness for the homeland drew near, as God kept Michael as a beacon for a night filled with uncertainty. We had thought to bask in the soft illumination of peace, yet the all-seeing Eye of Providence perceived the hidden chaos on Earth.
And the One who governs the hearts of rulers directed Alexander to the proven leader, granting Michael command in the Southern battles. Though the initial encounters bore little threat, their continuation loomed perilous with treachery from the West. The ancient victor and erstwhile ally of the Hagarites re-emerged to conquer once more. Having quelled their strongest divisions, he feigned retreat across the Danube only to turn and engulf them, annihilating their defenses and taking captives. At this moment, the tempest of the West stirred chaos, yet Michael restored peace to the South, expanding our borders. Does one not perceive here “the Lord as a mighty fortress” (Judges 6:12)? Who among us does not recognize, in the South, “the blazing light of our salvation” (Isaiah 62:1), set to dissolve the encroaching shadows from the West?
When the darkness weighed upon parts of the homeland, the voice of God summoned Michael once more to redeem His people, heard among the cries of the populace. Recognizing the source of this voice and yielding to the sacred will of the nation, this enduring leader and peacemaker disregarded his advanced years and past commendations and accepted the burden of the people rising against their foes. Soon, the dreaded year of tribulation ensued. The time had arrived, as predetermined by Providence and acknowledged by the Monarch, when the nearly entire force of Europe would unite against Russia’s resolve, best countered only by a steadfast bulwark, renewing the army’s weary spirit and turning the tide of battle against the enemy, thus revealing the vast field of Smolensk.
Yet would a solitary word of the motherly tongue dare confront such a giant? What words could depict the dawn of optimism that unfurled across the land alongside the prayer naming Michael as archistrategos of all forces of Russia? What language could capture the thunderous clash he unleashed upon the enemy as soon as he stepped onto the battlefield, highlighting the lesson learned: “the loss of a capital is not the loss of a homeland,” a realization unheard by those previously strong who, upon their capitals’ fall, crumbled in despair? What eloquence exists that can express the strength of spirit as the venerable leader, forced to relinquish his revered capital for the sake of the homeland’s salvation, bore upon his shoulders all the woes of its residents, the griefs of its defenders, the fears and compassion of the nation, along with the heavy ruins of devastated Moscow?
And who amongst you, dear listeners, has not begun to anticipate the richness of thought and heart? Who of you has not traced Smolensk through each of his victories, enveloping it in hope, gratitude, and awe? Who among you has not rejoiced in the accomplishments of this new Maccabeus, who inflicted suffering upon three kings directly, challenged countless commanders, ensnared thousands, vanquished darkness, liberated cities, avenged the sanctity of temples, banished terror from the homeland, invoked the righteousness of vengeance in hostile lands, and endowed the oppressed with the promise of freedom? Who remains unconvinced that the Lord “haste salvation by the hand” of this leader, marching under the guidance of the sacred image of the Graceful Guide, an appellation attributed to the Smolensk icon of the Mother of God which accompanied the army until the day of cleansing Smolensk from enemies?
If Providence had any further intentions for this ambassador of our deliverance, after so many deeds performed in alignment with His will, it was to grant him a culmination in his journey, one where “those on Earth who bless his name” may once again perceive divine favor resting upon him. And what an end, dear listeners! Mark how divinely designated its timing was during his final service—four moons as the champion defending the homeland’s borders; four moons as the punisher of violent oppressors in their domains. And after fulfilling the measure of his vindication, he passed into eternal rest. On August 16, 1812, Michael took command of the armies as they retreated into Russia. Following the occupation of Bialystok and Memel by Russian forces on December 15, hostilities resumed on all fronts from that date. Michael I passed away on April 16, 1813.
As a crowned victor, he ascended amid the uninterrupted victorious acclamations of the army; as a revered protector of the Church, he exited this life amidst her triumphant praise, passing through the shadowy veil of death into the luminous days of the Resurrection. He departed on a Wednesday during Bright Week, at a moment when not merely his clan or his homeland felt the loss, but the entire expanse of Europe mourned. The anointed of God did not hide his tears from the eyes of the people. Meanwhile, God stirred the hearts of the masses to ensure that the solemn return of the immortal victor should be honored with his earthly remains; his coffin traversed vast foreign lands and his homeland, accompanied by a glory never before displayed with such fervent zeal nor such unanimous acclaim reserved for victors while living.
Thus, considering that Smolensk’s legacy was not pursued for personal acclaim but eternally for his homeland and the hand of Providence, the Lord granted him a death befitting his purpose. O Lord, your destinies are wondrous! Indeed, You have been with this selected vessel, this “fortress of strength,” and “hastened our salvation by ‘his hand.’” You “have taken away what You have given” (Job 1:21), that our transitory desires do not dwell solely upon Your tangible gifts but rise ever toward You, for in You “all things are hoped for” (Psalm 103:28). May Your will be done, O heavenly Father, and let Your incomprehensible gift deepen the treasures of Your glory. In accordance with Your mercy and truth, let Your past benevolences be perfected, that not once again should “the Gentiles say,” “Where is their God?” (Psalm 78:10). Look upon the righteousness of our cause, witness the suffering of many nations, acknowledge those brought to You, “from whence our help comes” (Psalm 120:1); behold the tears of the meek Anointed One and grant that today, just as in days past, as the “chariot of Israel” is taken to heaven by Your might, one promised “grace” remains on Earth—let the spirit of Elijah descend, the fiery spirit of zeal and strength on those champions of Your glory and hasteners of our salvation.
Russians! You all share the wish that the spirit bestowed upon Smolensk does not cease to animate our regiments and rest upon our leaders. There is no greater tribute to the departed; no better guidance for the remaining sons of the fatherland. Amen.
