Michael the Syrian +1199

Michael the Syrian +1199

November 7th is the commemoration of the dukhrono of HH Mor Michael the Great +1199 according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Mor Mikhayel Rabo (ܡܝܟܐܝܠ ܪܒܐ) also known as Michael the Syrian ( ܡܝܟܐܝܠ ܣܘܪܝܝܐ‎) was Patriarch of Antioch and all the East from 1166-1199 AD. Michael was born in Melitine, his father was the pious priest Elia of the famous Qandasi family which produced many prelates in the Syriac Orthodox Church. Micheal became a monk at a young age, resided at the Monastery of Mor Barsawmo, later becoming a priest & finally the abbot. During his time he improved the conditions of the monastery including bringing running water. The Patriarch Mor Athanasius VII bar Qutreh passed away & the Holy See became vacant. Subsequently, the Holy Synod unanimously elected Raban Michael to the Patriarchate of the Apostolic See of Antioch. Raban Michael was not willing to accept the exalted position for he considered himself unworthy. However, Mor Dionysius Yac'ub Bar Salibi of Amid (+1171) & another member of the Synod persuaded him to accept. On 18 October 1166, Raban Michael was consecrated Patriarch of Antioch at the monastery of Mor Barsawmo by the Maphryono Mor Yuhanon Sarugh & twelve other bishops. One of the first things he did was shift the Patriarchate to the Monastery of Mor Hananyo, also known as Kurkmo Dayro or Deir ez-Za`faran. On the day of his arrival at this Monastery & the celebration of his enthronement on the Patriarchal Seat in the new headquarters, Metropolitan Mor Dionysius Yac'ub Bar Salibi delivered a fascinating speech that began with "My beloved, today is the day of joy; today is the day of delight." In his speech he enumerated the praiseworthy virtues of Patriarch Michael. In 1168, Patriarch Michael visited the archdioceses of Jerusalem & Damascus. He consecrated the Holy Chrism at Monastery of Mary Magdalene near Damascus Gate. The Holy Land & Antioch were under Crusader control at the time; Mor Mikhayel established cordial relations with them to safeguard the Syriac community. Patriarch Michael always remained firm in the True Orthodox faith. When Byzantine Emperor Manuel I sent an envoy to the Syriac Church to broker a deal to unite the Church with the Chalcedonians, Mor Mikhayel Rabo simply replied with the Orthodox (Miaphysite) statement of faith as professed by all his predecessors. He was a prolific scholar & historian. He wrote many treatises, homilies, & liturgical texts which have been incorporated in the Syriac Orthodox rite. He also hand copied many works especially Biblical manuscripts. It was the Syriac Holy Bible written during the time of Mor Mikhayel Rabo & which was kept in Malankara, that was presented to Dr. Buchanan during his visit to the Church in Malabar in 1807. This one is now preserved in the British library. However, Michael's magnum opus remains the 'Chronicle,' which is a history from the creation until his time. So great is his work that it is even used by modern scientists. His work has been used by NASA scientists because of his record of climatic changes, now known to be linked to volcano eruptions. Patriarch Mor Mikhayel Rabo ordained 1 Maphryono & 54 bishops. He departed for the heavenly abode on 7 November 1199. The mortal remains were interred in the new church at the monastery of Mor Barsawmo. He is described as, “one of the greatest pontiffs of the Church of God, the finest of the Patriarchs of Antioch, a scholar, & famous chronicler of everlasting name, of graceful pursuit, & of uncommon qualities, of widely known virtues, & of good deeds. Biography courtesy of, 'Martyrs, Saints and Prelates of the Syriac Orthodox Church' Oh Mor Mikhayel Rabo! Plead for us before God's throne of grace. Amen. http://www.syriacchristianity.info/bio/StMichaelRabo.htm