Archangel Michael is one of the highest angels and the leader of all angels. The Church venerates him as the defender of faith and the fighter against heresies and all forms of evil. On icons, he is often depicted with a fiery sword or a spear casting down the devil. Most Christians are familiar with these details, but is that all there is to know about Archangel Michael?
1. Archangel or Archistrategos?
How should we correctly refer to Michael: as Archangel or Archistrategos?
The word angel translates from Greek as “messenger” or “herald,” reflecting their role in delivering divine messages. The prefix arch means “chief” or “senior,” making an Archangel a “chief messenger.” The term Archistrategos is used in the Slavic Bible and translates as “chief warrior” or “commander-in-chief.” Archangel Michael is the only angel depicted as a warrior with a fiery sword on icons. While several archangels are known (Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, etc.), Michael is uniquely referred to as Archistrategos.
Metropolitan Macarius writes in The Great Menaion Reader:
“God established Michael as a mighty weapon and protector against the devil’s forces.”
The Church, in hymns and prayers, calls Michael the first among the bodiless angels, the leader of heavenly hosts, and the guide of angelic ranks.
Thus, Michael can be referred to as both an Archangel and Archistrategos.
2. Archangel Michael and Lucifer
The name Michael translates from Hebrew as “Who is like God” or “One who resembles God.” He is called Archistrategos because he led the heavenly armies against the fallen angels and their leader, Lucifer (formerly known as Day Star, or Morning Star). Once endowed with divine perfection, Lucifer was cast down for his pride and rebellion against the Creator. It was Archangel Michael who defeated and cast Lucifer and his followers out of Heaven.
3. Archangel Michael in the Old Testament
According to the apocryphal Book of Adam and Eve, Michael guided Adam and Eve after their expulsion from Eden, teaching Adam agriculture and securing God’s permission for Adam’s soul to return to Heaven after death.
Tradition holds that Michael announced to Sarah, Abraham’s wife, that she would bear a son. Though not named explicitly, Michael is believed to be the “Angel of the Lord” who stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son, Isaac (Genesis 22:10).
In the Testament of Abraham, Michael informed Abraham of his impending death. Upon Abraham’s request, Michael showed him the wonders of the world before escorting him back to prepare for his departure.
4. The Last Judgment and Archangel Michael
The belief that Michael will play a role in the Last Judgment developed later in Christian tradition. In some apocryphal texts, Michael is depicted as sounding the trumpet to summon souls for judgment. Some traditions even assign him the role of judge, while others portray him weeping for sinners and pleading for their mercy before God. One hymn reads:
“Holy Archangel Michael, defend us in battle, do not let us perish at the Last Judgment.”
5. Archangel of Three Religions
Archangel Michael is revered not only in Christianity but also in Islam and Judaism:
- In Islam, Michael (Mikal) is one of the four highest angels. He is depicted with emerald-green wings and golden hair, with countless eyes that shed 70,000 tears. Michael resides on the seventh heaven, overseeing natural forces and commanding a legion of angels. He is known as the Angel of Mercy and the provider of sustenance.
- In Judaism, Michael is one of the four angels (Michael, Gabriel, Uriel, and Raphael) who stand before God’s throne and guard the four corners of the world. He is considered the patron of the Jewish people, as seen in the Old Testament.
6. Michael’s Apparitions
Between 1961 and 1965, the Virgin Mary appeared in Garabandal, Spain, urging four children to pray, repent, and change their lives. Four years later, Michael appeared to the same children, repeating her message and promising that sincere prayers would be answered.
Pope Leo XIII composed a famous prayer after a vision in which Michael banished Satan back to hell:
“Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle, be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil.”
This prayer continues to inspire and help many to this day.
7. Archangel Michael and the Egyptians
Coptic Christians in Egypt dedicated the Nile River to Michael. They adopted the Byzantine tradition of honoring Michael but moved the feast day to November 12. On the 12th of each month, special services are held in his memory. June 12, the date of the Nile’s flooding, is also a day of celebration, as the flood ensures a bountiful harvest.
8. The Plague in Rome
In 590 AD, a plague ravaged Rome. During a procession led by Pope Gregory the Great, Michael was seen atop Hadrian’s Mausoleum sheathing his sword, signaling the end of the epidemic. In honor of this event, a statue of Michael was erected on the mausoleum, which is now called the Castle of Sant’Angelo.
Did You Know?
Archangel Michael is the heavenly protector and patron of the ancient city of Kyiv.