Career
He was also the distinguished leader of cantors in the Great Cathedral, and was appointed to be the first instructor of hymns in the Coptic Orthodox Clerical College by Archdeacon Habib Girgis. The hymns from Cantor Mikhail were the source of the vocal notes recorded by Professor Ernest Newlandsmith, a musicologist from Oxford University, with the help of Doctor Ragheb Moftah. In addition, Cantor Mikhail conducted the first audio recording of Coptic music
Hence, he is frequently referred to as "Cantor Mikhail the Great".
He left a great heritage of music, which was preserved by Doctor Ragheb Moftah in the United States Library of Congress. In addition, it was also cherished in the hearts and tongues of the cantors, who continuously chant them in their churches to this day.
In an effort to express his deep sorrow for the lost of Cantor Mikhail, Doctor Ragheb Moftah had these words to say in his lamentation:
"You are like the River Nile that overflows to every corner of its valley. Your teachings have flooded the nations to its uttermost regions, and behold, they declare your name and everlasting treasure, as are the Pyramids that overlook the centuries.
Your hymns, which the valley has echoed for thousands of years, you have preserved them for us, in a generation of alteration and change.
Oh you of great heart! You have departed from this narrow place, and your spirit has joined in the world beyond, praising and chanting throughout the entire universe, glorifying the Holy of Holies.".