Orthodox Parables and Stories: The Miracle of Taxiarchis (Archangel Michael) to little Basil.

One of the many miracles of Taxiarchis in Mantamados, Lesvos with his personal presence, is the treatment of a child, like Basil from Athens.

While the youngster was playing, he fell and hit his head badly. He was taken to the hospital, where he was found to be blind and paralyzed. The surgeon called the child's parents to his office and said:

"The situation is serious. Immediate intervention is needed, but the chances of success are near zero, one to two percent. You have to decide in time, before it's too late."

The mother felt lost. The father asked:
"Is there no other solution, no hope, doctor?"
"Unfortunately, no."

He bent down and signed. The child was taken to the operating room. While they were preparing for surgery, as Basil told later himself, the darkness of his eyes dissolved and a bright light took its place.

Basil was found in front of a church with arches, the facade was built of red stones. A blinding light came out of the open door. Basil approached the light and what does he see! A lad bathed in the light, who with out-stretched arms called out: "Come on, Basil, do not be afraid, you will be fine. I will move the doctor's hand in the surgery." The child approached, kneeled in front of him, embraced the young man's feet and rested his head on his left thigh. Then he stretched out his hand and stroked the boy's head. Before the sight was lost, the child's eyes caught sight of the church in the background of a black image with silver wings.

The operation was a success. The doctors attributed the success to a miracle. It was Nov. 8, the feast of the Holy Archangels.

Years passed. Many fruitless searches were made to find that church. Until one day, in a television presentation, Basil unexpectedly and emotionally recognized the church in his vision and he went on a pilgrimage to Taxiarchis in Mantamados, to offer tears of gratitude to the savior of his life.