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The following incident happened to Fr. Daniel Sapikas, a resident of Athens, an Archimandrite, and a noted physician (see here).
By Archimandrite Daniel Sapikas
On 22 April 1994 I was admitted to Eugenides Infirmary with 4.5 kg empyema in my right lung, with symptoms of absolute apnea, a weak gait, and a 41.5 °C (106 °F) fever, while I suffered an unexplained diabetic shock.
Through a cloud I watched and listened to what was happening in the operating room, and the suffering was great. As a physician, I understood very well how critical my condition was.
I knew that the statistical rate of the end (my death) was at about 95%. And I was not wrong. In fact, I was lenient in my own judgment, because the medical team, who consisted of John Belenis the director of Evangelismou, Professor Chrysostomos Melessinos director of the pulmonary clinic at Health Hospital, and Irene Batalis the anesthesiologist, were afraid to give me anesthesia for risk of stopping my heart due to my weight. They were talking loudly because they did not think I could hear their own words.
I heard them give me only a 2% chance of life!
"We will do what we can", I heard them say, "because the chance of life is minimal, with an estimation of death at 98%. Anyway, he is doomed!"
At that moment I felt alone, totally alone. With labor I did my cross and prayed to my patron, the Taxiarchae (Commander):
"My Taxiarchae, Archangel Michael, do not leave me, do not forsake me. Only you do I have now, and to you I entrust my life."
A metallic noise stopped my noetic prayer. I was afraid that with the movement of my hand I knocked over a tool, and I tried to turn my head towards the noise.
And then ... O my God!
The Archangel Michael, the Taxiarchae, with his armor and sword in his right hand, stood beside me, smiling and very much alive.
"Daniel, I am here", he told me. "I have not forsaken you. I protect you. I will perform the operation on you, and you will become well. Do not be afraid."
These were the words of the Archangel, and as he spoke he placed his sword to my breast.
Soon after Professor Belenis came in. "Let us pray together Fr. Daniel", he said to me, "and with the help of God all will be good."
And so it truly went!
The operation was successful. The hand of the doctor was guided by the Archangel. I am certain of this. He once again gave me life as it began to leave from within me.
Source: Extract from the quarterly newsletter ”Ο Ταξιάρχης”, from the Holy Pilgrimage of the Archangel in Mantamadou, Lesvos. Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
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