Protoiereus
Saint Michael was born on July 26, 1889, in Mozyr of the Minsk province, into the family of the Priest Konstantin and his wife Stefania Novitsky, who had thirteen children. After completing his studies in middle education, he entered the Saint Petersburg Historical and Philological Institute. In 1914, he married Zinovia, the daughter of Priest Nikolai Korzun, and was appointed to teach Latin at the Minsk Men’s High School.
In 1920, he returned to Minsk and was ordained a priest at the Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Uzda. He was soon elevated to the rank of protopresbyter. The faithful loved him for his strong faith and empathy. During the great famine of 1930–1931, the local residents supported him in every way, helping him to survive.
During his ministry, he was repeatedly urged to renounce his priesthood, but he steadfastly refused. In 1933, atheists occupied the Peter and Paul Church, converting it into a warehouse. In 1935, after being beaten, he fell seriously ill. Despite his weakness, he participated in all the Divine Services during Easter. On Holy Friday, though in bad state, he heard all confessions. On Holy Saturday, he served the Divine Liturgy and celebrated the Resurrection, though he could hardly remain on his feet.
Saint Michael peacefully reposed on April 30, 1935. He was buried in the cemetery of Uzda.
