In the literature of the Israelites, a blend of truth and thankfulness sought to imbue the comforting image of the Leader with characteristics of glory and eternity, for whom “all Israel wept and mourned with great weeping.” Are we not renewed before us—these ancient traits, do they not resonate with the majestic portrayal that now captivates your thoughts, hearts, and souls, O sons of Russia, who stand before God in mourning? Let us collectively agree to present a long-prepared gravestone at the forthcoming tomb: “Salvation was accomplished by his hand; he brought sorrow to many rulers and uplifted Russia through his deeds, his memory shall remain a blessing for eternity.” He served as a harbinger of salvation, so shall we remain trapped in a futile sense of loss for him? While he grieved our enemies, he also was our “joy”: shall we, through our inconsolable grief for him, disrupt his sacred rest and bring joy to our adversaries? His memory is “a blessing unto ages of ages,” and where is there time for grievance or lamentation? Stay with us, eternal memory of the wise and divinely empowered Leader; comfort us with the blessings and praises that accompany you; if you cannot heal our pain, at least embellish it so that it may not offend the Immortal One. Yet, never do sowing flowers bloom beneath stormy skies, nor do fruits mature amid pouring rain; within the storm of death, under the deluge of tears, neither do the praises of the eternal flourish. The more one sows, the longer the harvest is delayed, and a weak hand cannot bind the wood of olives and laurels. Let us heed the nurturing guidance of the Church, that she may aid us in lightening our burden and fulfilling the duty of this solemn lamentation. She permits the blessings and praises that honor the memory of the blessed departed to ascend to this sacred place, instructing those left behind; she allows the glory of those who have attained eternal life to draw near the altar to prostrate before the glory of the Ever-Living One. Here we are called to “look up to the Lord with sorrow” (Psalm 54:23) for the deceased. Let us not hesitate to exalt the invisible and only One, the unseen Source of all salvation, over the lamented messenger of our visible salvation. “The Lord is salvation” (Psalm 3:9). “The Lord is with the mighty warrior” (Judg. 6:12), selecting and guiding, testing and sustaining, elevating and crowning, giving and taking from the world. This truth, which we can now contemplate in its own light and through the reflection of times past, comforts us regarding the life and actions of Michael, the immortal Archistratigus of Russia, the radiant Prince of Smolensk. We do not desire to eclipse your renown, most brilliant one; rather, we long to illuminate it thrice with the utmost glory: for what fate on earth or in heaven could surpass being chosen, prepared, favored, and beautified as an instrument in the hands of the Almighty? You will not interrupt our discourse; in truth, you shall initiate it yourself: for our hearts still resonate with your voice, when, on the path of victories and glory, you turned towards the throne and homeland to recount the wonders of battle, casting earthly honor before the heavenly and proclaiming, “Great is God!” These words commence the report dated October 28, 1812, from the town of Yelna. “Truly great is God! And He alone is great in both the mighty and the humble of the earth. Where else can humans find the true essence of unity—where wisdom, goodness, and strength converge—except in the Triune One, who from His fullness imparts wisdom to our thoughts, goodness to our desires, and strength to our actions? Faith teaches us not simply to investigate but to feel and sincerely call upon the Father in heaven, “for His is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory”; while some of us Christians confess this omnipotent kingdom with wonder, like dwellers in distant cities discussing royal matters, those striving sincerely to serve God draw near to His hidden throne, sensing deeply within their souls the authority that comes from God, and in unison proclaiming as the overflowing of their hearts declares: “As the Lord is the kingdom, and He possesses authority” (Psalm 21:29). The kingdom of the Lord is “the kingdom of all generations, and His dominion in every lineage and generation” (Ps. 144:13). The fleeting dominions of men are brought low, serving this invisible kingdom; mighty earthly powers are cast out of their guardianship. Having constrained nature by necessity and “left man in the hand of his own will” (Sir 15:14), the great Artisan of the world extends his hand into the intricate weaving of natural and free acts, being the hidden craftsperson or visible instrument that molds everything into a unified, multi-faceted fabric of world events, which time reveals to the astonishment of eternity itself. The varied states of earthly citizens are perpetually directed by Providence, shaping them as citizens for the heavenly realm: thus, it operates both through society upon man and the mutual interaction of man upon society; for this, “disobedient tongues that rise up against the Lord are governed with a rod of iron, and like fragile vessels are broken” (Psalm 111:2, 9); the converted ones are “built and planted” (Jer. 18:9), the tempted are “led through fire and water, and those steadfast in trial find rest” (Ps. 65:12); for this purpose “the elect of the Lord’s people are uplifted” (Ps. 88:20); the strong, destined to fulfill the will of Providence, are “upheld by the right hand of the Almighty,” which “levels the mountains before them and shatters the gates of bronze” (Is. 45:1-2); meanwhile, “let the pride of man be humbled, and the Lord alone be exalted” (Is. 2:17). The fates of the many nations often lie obscured in the unknown hand of a single mortal, and the destinies of every mighty individual on earth consist of innumerable unforeseen events, which no human intellect can fathom or earthly dominion can restrain. If this all-encompassing Sovereignty of God subjects us to a particular fate, it is a fate of wisdom. If it appears binding, it only restricts disobedience and rebellion. If it humbles, it is only to those who believe themselves the architects of their own greatness, dreaming to “ascend above the clouds and be like the Most High” (Is. 14:14). However, if it elevates the lot of the wicked, it does only as a rod that shall soon smite the guilty, be shattered, and discarded. Conversely, those who seek only the glory of the Divine and the good of humankind find in submission to Providence their hope and security, in His authority the bedrock of their strength, and in His glory the source of their greatness. What marvels of wisdom and goodness He works for the fulfillment of His own plans through their endeavors! He observes them before they can perceive the light, and from the direction of their entire journey watches over them like the apple of His eye, bestowing upon them the gifts of nature, teaching them through examples, guiding them through experiences, purifying them through trials, fortifying them through prosperity, leading them in paths of righteousness, guiding in darkness, “bringing them out into a broad place” (2 Sam. 22:20), safeguarding them amid dangers, inspiring them in their endeavors, bringing forth salvation and joy to the peoples in life, crowning them in death, and finally accompanying them with honor and blessings in the very tomb. The human eye is not permitted, O listeners, to pierce through this artistic temple of Providence, where it designs and prepares those who will work for the welfare of the people; but when these individuals step onto the destined battleground and fulfill their duties, then the glory of God’s crafted instrument shines forth alongside the wisdom of the Creator. Observing the deliverance of a nation already achieved, one can always see in its savior the salvation of God. The people of God have no homeland; in a foreign land, under a heavy yoke, exhausted by toil, they are condemned to extermination instead of reward. At this moment, the Lord gazes upon the child cast to death; He sends him to the very court of the king; educates him in all the wisdom of the people with whom he must one day contend; fills his heart with love for his kin; stirs his spirit through the injustices of his oppressors; tests him through calamities and nearly slave-like conditions in the king's house; empowers him with His might, strengthens him with His presence—behold Moses, the unarmed victor of the Hebrews, the “god of Pharaoh” (Exod. 7:1)! Though God’s people are oppressed in their homeland by outsiders, the Lord, while punishing, does not wish to reject His own; He Himself “raises up judges for them, and rescues them from the hand of their enemies” (Judges 2:18). Thus the angel comes to Gideon, proclaiming that “the Lord is with you,” and from this humble farmer gathers a vast army; yet salvation is wrought by the hand of God with three hundred unarmed men overcoming the countless forces of the foe—liberating Israel. The people of God are placed under the dominion of lords. The One who has sent this affliction has also prepared a healer in advance. Jerusalem does not yet anticipate its destruction; but “the One who creates the future” (Is. 45:11) says to Jerusalem: “You shall be exalted”; He who calls the things that are not as if they are (Rom. 4:17) names Cyrus, yet unborn, “His shepherd and anointed,” promising to make lords yield to him and destroy the strongholds of kings, that he may rebuild the city of the Lord and restore the captives of His people (Is. 45:1-13). And behold, Cyrus becomes conqueror and possessor of the East, destined to liberate Israel and restore Jerusalem. The people of God are without governance, without law, around Jerusalem, without a homeland, around the temple, without worship. On this day of wrath, who would have anticipated the restoration of fallen Israel, except He who once more turned away His fury with compassion? God willed it—and inspired by zeal and the example and teaching of his Father, Maccabeus arose; with a handful of true children of Israel, he dispersed the numerous militias of the faith's persecutors, cleansed the holy city, renewed the radiance of the temple, garnered powerful allies for the people of Judah, and—returning to his own words—became an immortal harbinger of God’s salvation: “Salvation was successful by his hand; many kings were afflicted, and Jacob rejoiced in his acts, and his memory is blessed unto eternity.” But why, wishing to witness the works of Divine Providence, “which has done wonders in the earth” (Psalm 45:9), are we forced to always gaze into the distance of the past? As if the grandeur of God “passes away” just as does “the fashion of this world” (1 Cor. 7:31), and “the kingdom of all ages” (Ps. 144:13) ultimately rests solely in the ruins of antiquity! It feels as though God, who once termed Himself “the God of the living” (Mark 12:27) for the dead, transforms for the living into the God of the deceased; and we can no longer “see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living!” (Ps. 26:13) Oh world, hostile to God even as you confess Him! You agree to seek Him in the distant past and refuse to “reach out to Him, for He is not far from any of us” (Acts 17:27). You concede to Him a realm of the past that is alien to you while wishing to reign over the present by mere chance or to deify human intellect and passions. If you cannot hear how “the day of days bursts forth the voice” (Psalm 18:3) of God’s eternal glory—at least observe how this silent coffin speaks to this altar, and how the present echoes the past, revealing that there is the “One who is, and who was, and who is to come—the Almighty” (Revelation 1:8). It is not mere chance that brings forth the memory of the immortal Michael alongside that of the immortal Maccabeus. The Church foresaw this union through her desire and premonition: Providence validated her desire through an event. You recall this fortuitous day of faith and love for the homeland when the Church, moved by its peril, called to you, distinguished Russians, at this very altar, “that the Lord may raise up new Maccabees among you.” And who but Providence directed the Church’s desire towards that event or organized it according to her supplication? Who, responding to this call, raised up a man whose actions and fate cannot be represented more accurately than through Maccabeus’ writings? Who commanded that even his name align with that of Maccabeus—both names, like both men, declaring the same praise: “Who is like God?” Michael, from Hebrew, means: “Who is like God?” But let us return to the history of Smolensk, tracing its journey and observing the marks of Providence imprinted upon it. Through natural endowments, man initially receives guidance for his life and the early signs of his destined purpose emerge. Should we more clearly analyze and interpret these intricate qualities and decipher their outcomes from the beginning, we could have long ago recognized in Michael a man marked by nature, or rather by its Creator, for a significant mission. This intellect, accommodating both high knowledge and pleasant arts without conflict, capable of drafting military strategies, coordinating the relations of allied and adversarial forces with shared focus, and skillfully navigating the pathways of courts—seems designed not for one path alone but for every avenue of public service and glory. This steadfastness, unaffected by fear or sorrow, coupled with a serene acceptance of his fate was prepared for such exploits, among which thousands would have faltered had a single head not lifted the collective weight. This profound insight and indefatigable vigilance, so to speak, preordained our Michael to confront the serpent of deceit. Yet, Providence, arranging and preparing its instruments in good time, does not reveal them prematurely, knowing that instead of assistance, men might sometimes present obstacles to its intentions. The life path established by Providence through human capabilities is typically laid out by education. Michael's upbringing, much like that of many, may not have foretold his entire destiny; however, his fulfilled fate prompts us to reflect on his upbringing with reverence. It took form, dear listeners, within the confines of the homeland, family, and the domestic stronghold of military “knowledge.” Thus, by the fresh benevolence of Providence, the chosen son of the homeland was shielded from superstitious subjugation to foreign enlightenment and education; the fatherland garnered great honor by having Smolensk without indebtedness to anyone for it; and this upbringing imparted to parents and educators an important lesson for our times: worthy sons of the homeland are not birthed through foreign instruction. Early on, Michael left the care of ordinary tutors and was raised within the Artillery Corps until the age of 15. By the age of 17, he commanded a company in Suvorov's regiment. It appears as if his blossoming youth and tireless capabilities were preserved for the arduous and uncommon education intended for an exceptional calling. Indeed, he was led to a setting where, as his youth’s education bore the desired yield, and his love for his homeland gradually expressed itself through zeal and deeds, the highest and sole school for grand men—a school of living examples, experiences, and dangers—was opened to his gifts. Zadunaysky, Tavrichesky, and Rymninsky were the leaders evidencing his activity, witnesses to his valor, and sources of inspiration for his reflections. He marched under the gaze of these leaders through renowned battles, sometimes achieving victory against formidable city fortifications and forces; at other times, he would bravely push through obstacles presented by nature, regain ground through valor, and capture it through resoluteness. If a hero’s testimony is essential for the hero, just as the judgment of the wise is crucial for the wise, he enjoyed the distinction of being seen by a leader who reveled in planting and collecting laurels with his own hands, identifying him as his “right hand.” After capturing Ishmael, Suvorov remarked that Michael was his left wing, but in truth, he was his right hand. Nonetheless, to abide within our limits as designated, let us refrain—O listeners— from delving deeply into every facet of our hero on that battlefield where he had already become an exemplar to many, and from a mere witness of unforgettable deeds had yet to separate himself from the ranks of leaders as an unparalleled figure, where we might observe him more in human glory than in the divine radiance that especially crowned him in his final days. Let us not dwell solely on the victorious crowns, which would undoubtedly serve any other head well but seemed hardly distinct on Michael’s brow, overshadowed by the magnificent diadem of his end. Instead, let us pause to rejoice over these sacred wounds, which Providence bestowed upon him, denoting him as one chosen. I refer to his miraculous injuries, which, without comparison, should have captured the attention of those who ponder deeply on him, rather than attracting the gaze of the frivolous as mere outward signs of dignity and honor. This fervent defender of the homeland, intent upon its preservation, desires toignore his own dangers, hence, death twice grazes his head. The first wound was incurred during the first Turkish War at the siege of Perekop: the bullet entered through his left temple and exited at his right eye. The second occurred at Ochakov in 1788: the bullet entered his cheek and passed through to the back of his head. As if the arms of the Haggarians particularly sought these eyes, from which wisdom radiated, and this head, where sagacity matured, which proved profoundly consequential for them. What marvelous signs! Those who witnessed these wounds still open presumed it would be the last time they would see this man suffering grievous injury; the news of his survival seemed incredulous until confirmed with his recovery. Yet when God restored him to life and the wholeness of mind and body, the very affliction from the first wound guided him towards a new journey of excellence, in which he, while seeking health, discovered a new source of beneficial knowledge through travel. He journeyed at the expense of the blessed memory of Empress Catherine II, traversing Germany, France, and England; he met with military leaders like Friedrich and Laudon, among others. In that period, those who believed in Providence had to “consider these matters, writing them on their hearts” as to how precious this head is to Heaven and what towering service awaits from it, safeguarded and preserved with such expedience! However, after such significant adventures, Michael's destiny remained locked under many seals, periodically unveiling various possibilities: ever preparing yet always obscuring the secret of his ultimate aim. His sword either rests or merely glimmers, without a target to strike. From 1793 to 1805, Mikhail I, though at times commanding forces, did not partake in military actions. Time drew him towards the alliances of his rulers, whether to shape a new peace or rekindle an age-old alliance. He served as an Extraordinary Ambassador to Constantinople, represented missions at the Berlin Court, and was entrusted twice to meet abroad and accompany the Swedish King. Furthermore, he often served as a vigilant guardian of the internal peace and order within his homeland's territories. He held numerous military governorships across Lithuania, St. Petersburg, Kiev, and Vilna.
Ultimately, having given to the three sovereigns and his homeland the best years of his life as an act of reverence and duty, he began to seemingly withdraw from social labor towards familial tranquility. On the eve of his deployment with the army for assistance, he spent some time in his own village. Yet, fate would reveal that as he traveled throughout the fatherland and across European lands, he was imperceptibly guided towards a perfected understanding of both his homeland and Europe, between which he would become the pivotal link, weighing and maneuvering their conflicting forces; and that the honorable path of a fatherland’s champion lay humbly cloaked within the springtime halls so that the disgrace of a European champion may become more solemnly apparent. Suddenly, Alexander’s scepter unveiled before him the broadest field for action and raised him to assist once-great allied powers against an ever-growing giant, who, from the depths of a shattered throne, amid violent domination, aspired to create and amplify his power through the ruination of the ancients. The faithful servant, like an arrow released with precision, is propelled towards the benevolent, far-sighted Monarch; yet when the saving call of aid is impeded by the reckless actions of those seeking assistance, when the leader appointed to support overwhelming armies perceives his troops ensnared and himself powerless, with only a fraction of his allies far from the fatherland, confronted by a vast and arrogant enemy, it becomes clear that both the homeland and Europe recognize Michael as the head of the strife. Undeterred by such a dire circumstance, he courageously leads his small contingent unharmed in the face of the overbearing enemy, successfully pushing them back and routing them at Kremes. He defeats, delights in their losses, captures prisoners, and transforms the heavy burden of pursuers to mere carriers of his spoils. It was not yet destined by the Most High to subdue the proud’s wrath; however, Michael is allowed to glimpse his future adversary, gauge his strength, and instill the seeds of fear within him. Although the grim year for the homeland looms ahead, wherein Michael is kept like the beacon amid the night. Here we are still under the soft light of the world, oblivious to the all-seeing eye of Providence concealed within the heavens. And He who steers the hearts of sovereigns has turned Alexander’s gaze toward the tried and true ascetic, delivering His “strength to the mighty” (Psalm 88:20). Michael is entrusted with the southern campaign, which, while it begins benignly, could unfold dangerously, as the treacherous West may birth its concealed threats. The ancient victor and ally of the Hagarites rises again as their conqueror and ally. After shaking their significantly powerful legions, he feigns retreat across the Danube. Yet, turning back, he engulfs them with their camp and arms; he captivates the enemy, astonished by his bravery and wisdom while, at the very moment when the destructive breath of the West stirs a tempest, he restores peace in the South, expands and secures our borders. Who among us cannot already perceive “the Lord as a mighty fortress” (Judges 6:12)? Who cannot see in the South “the luminous beacon of our salvation” (Isaiah 62:1), destined to dissolve the darkness encroaching from the West? When this darkness bore down upon several regions of the fatherland, God’s voice, summoning Michael to the ministry of salvation, stirred from throughout the populace. Recognizing where this call originated and yielding to the sacred will of the homeland, this eternal leader, conqueror, peacemaker, forsakes age and prior triumphs that conferred him the right to peace and reverence, taking up arms along with the fellow farmers striving for their homeland.
Soon, the harrowing year of trial concludes. The time prophesied by Providence, accepted by the Sovereign, arrives as the consolidated forces of nearly all of Europe turn against united Russia, utilizing deceitful suddenness that could only be softened through gradual concession—this will finally meet resistance through a steadfast bulwark rejuvenating the weary army’s spirits. The vast battleground of Smolensk unveils before us, but will this humble word dare to pursue such a giant? How can it represent the dawn of hope that rapidly spread from border to border of the homeland, alongside the prayers that Michael was appointed archistratigus of all Russian forces? How can it articulate the unheard thunder he unleashed upon the enemy the moment he stepped upon the battlefield? How can it convey the vision that realized, “the loss of a capital is not the loss of a homeland,” after two once-mighty powers failed to acknowledge this truth amidst similar misfortunes, collapsing with theirs at the feet of the Comforter? What capacity of speech can capture the spirit with which the once-great leader, forced to relinquish his ancient capital for the sake of his homeland's integrity, bears upon his own shoulders the burdens and laments of its citizens, all the grief of the soldiers who stood for it, all the compassion and apprehensions of the nation, and ultimately the grave ruins of devastated Moscow? Who among you, dear listeners, has not already felt the stirring within thought and heart? Who among you has not marvelled at Smolensk throughout the entirety of its victories and splendor, with desires, joy, gratitude, and awe? Who among you has not “rejoiced in the deeds” of this new Maccabeus, who has brought suffering upon three kings personally, and many through their commanders, capturing multitudes, vanquishing darkness, liberating cities, avenging the sanctities of temples, purging the horrors brought to the homeland, instilling fear of righteous retribution throughout hostile lands, and offering the enslaved a promise of liberation? Who has not been moved to realize that the Lord “hastened salvation by the hand” of this leader, who marched under the guidance of the sacred image of the Gracious Guide? If there was anything remaining for Providence to do for this herald of our salvation, after the numerous feats where he accomplished all His will, it was to grant him such an end to his course that “those on the earth who magnify his memory” might witness the blessing descending from above upon him. And what an ending, dear listeners! With celestial precision, its timing from the commencement of his final service is measured: four moons—defending the homeland within its borders; four moons—punishing violent oppressors in their dominion; and as he fulfills the measure of his retribution to this balance, he becomes the son of eternal peace. On the 16th of August,1812, Mikhail I takes command of the armies retreated into Russia; after Russian forces occupied the Bialystok region and Memel on the 15th of December, hostilities recommenced on the 16th across all frontier points; Mikhail I dies on the 16th of April 1813. As a crowned victor, he rises amidst the ongoing triumphs of the army he commanded, as a blessed defender of the Church, he is accompanied in his departure by her rich honors, traversing the somber portal of death as the brightness of the Resurrection fills the air. He passes from this life on the Wednesday of Bright Week. He died when not only his kin, not merely his homeland, but all of Europe lamented his departure, and the sacred Anointed of God did not hide his tears from his people. His Imperial Majesty’s highest decree to the Princess of Smolensk attests this. Meanwhile, God Himself stirs the hearts of nations, that the solemn return of the immortal victor to his homeland should take place: thus, his coffin travels through vast foreign and domestic lands with a glory unparalleled, never carried with such liberality and unanimity afforded to vanquished heroes in their lifetime. Therefore, if Smolensk never lived for himself but always for his homeland and Providence, Providence afforded him a death meant for himself.
O Lord, wonderful in Your designs! Truly You were with this chosen “strong fortress” perpetually, and You “hastened our salvation by his hand”; and You “took away what You gave” (Job 1:21), lifting our fleeting aspirations beyond Your visible gifts, directing them towards You, for in Him “all things are hoped for” (Psalm 103:28). May Your will be accomplished, O heavenly Father, and let Your unappreciated gift receive the addition of glory to Your treasures. Through Your mercy and truth, fulfill the bountiful blessings once extended to us, so that not again shall “the nations say of us, ‘Where is their God?’” (Psalm 78:10). Consider the truth of our cause, the afflictions of countless nations, those who have approached You—“wherever our help comes” (Psalm 120:1), the gentle eyes of Russia, the tears of Your humble anointed, and grant that today, as of old, when the “chariot of Israel” is lifted by Your power to heaven, may one promised “grace” remain before us on earth—render that “fiery spirit” (2 Kings 2:15) descend upon the champions of Your glory and the bearers of our salvation. Russians! All of you earnestly hope that the spirit bestowed upon Smolensk continues to inspire our battalions, and rests upon our leaders. There exists no higher tribute for the departed; no better guidance for the remaining sons of the homeland. Amen.
