Archangel Michael

Also called Michael the Taxiarch. A taxiarch is used in the Greek language to mean “brigadier,” or a commander of a company. In Greek Orthodoxy, it refers to the Archangels Michael or Gabriel as leaders of the heavenly hosts.

Michael is an archangel & warrior of God in Christianity, Islam, & Judaism. The earliest surviving mentions of his name are in the 2nd or 3rd centuries BC Jewish works, often but not always apocalyptic. In these works, he’s the chief of the angels & archangels. He’s the guardian prince of Israel & is responsible for the care of the people of Israel.

Christianity conserved nearly all of Jewish traditions concerning him. He’s mentioned explicitly in Revelation 12:7-12, where he does battle with Satan, & in the Epistle of Jude, where the archangel & the devil have an argument over the body of Moses.

The Book of Enoch lists Michael as 1 of 7 archangels. The remaining names are: Uriel, Raguel, Raphael, Sariel, Gabriel, & Remiel. He’s mentioned again in the last chapters of the Book of Daniel, a Jewish apocalypse composed in the 2nd century BC, in which a man clothed in linen tells Daniel that he & “Michael, your prince” are engaged in a battle with the “prince of Persia,” after which, at the end-time, “Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise.”

Enoch was instrumental in establishing the pre-eminent place of Michael among the angels & archangels. In later Jewish works, he’s said to be their chief, mediating the Torah, & standing at the right hand of the throne of God.

In the traditions of the Qumran community, he defends, or leads, the people of God in the end-time battle. In other writings, he’s responsible for the care of Israel & acts as commander of the heavenly armies. He’s Israel’s advocate, contesting Satan’s claim to the body of Moses.

He intercedes between God & humanity & serves as High Priest in the heavenly sanctuary. (So would this make him Aaron’s equal? We’re sincerely asking. Let us know your take in the comments.) He accompanies the souls of the righteous dead to Paradise.

The 7 archangels (or 4, as traditions differ, but always include Michael) were associated with the branches of the menorah, the sacred 7-branched lamp stand in the Temple, as the 7 spirits before the throne of God. This is reflected in the Book of Revelation 4:5. Michael is mentioned explicitly in Revelation 12:7-12, where he does battle with Satan & casts him out of heaven so that he no longer has that exclusive access to God as accuser (his former role in the Old Testament).

Satan’s fall at the coming of Jesus marks the separation of the New Testament from Judaism. In Luke 22:31, Jesus tells Peter that Satan has asked God for permission to “sift” the disciples, the goal being to accuse them. But the accusation by Jesus, who thus takes on the role played by angels, & especially by Michael, in Judaism.

Michael is mentioned by anem for the 2nd time in the Epistle of Jude, which is an impassioned plea for the believers to engage in battle against the incursion of the error. In verses 9-10, the author denounces the heretics by contrasting them with the archangel Michael, who, in disputing with Satan over the body of Moses.

According to rabbinic tradition, Michael acted as the advocate of Israel. Sometimes he had to fight with the princes of other nations (Daniel 10:13), & particularly with the angel Samael, Israel’s accuser. Their hostility dates from the time Samael was thrown from heaven & tried to drag Michael down with him, requiring God’s intervention.

The rabbis declare that Michael came into his role as defender at the time of the biblical patriarchs. Rabbi Eliezer ben Jacob said Michael rescued Abraham from the furnace into which he’d been thrown by Nimrod. Some say he was the “one that had escaped” (Genesis 14:13), who told Abraham that Lot had been taken captive & who protected Sarah from defilement by Abimelech.

Michael prevented Isaac’s being sacrificed by his dad by substituting a ram in his place. He saved Jacob, while still in his mom’s womb, from death at the hands of Samuel. Michael later prevented Laban from hurting Jacob. The midrash Exodus Rabbah holds that Michael exercised his function as an advocate of Israel at the time of the Exodus & destroyed Sennacherib’s army.

Epiphanius of Salamis (circa 310-circa 320-403), in his Coptic-Arabic Hexaemeron, referred to Michael as a replacement of Satan. Accordingly, after Satan fell, Michael was appointed to the function Satan served when he was still 1 of the noble angels.

A painting of Michael slaying a serpent became a major art piece at the Michaelion after Constantine defeated Licinius near there in 324. This contributed to the standard iconography that developed of Michael as a warrior saint slaying a dragon. The Michaelion was a magnificent church & in time became a model for hundreds of other churches in Eastern Christianity.

In the 4th century, St. Basil the Great’s homily, De Angelis, St. Michael over all the angels. He was called “Archangel” because he heralds other angels, the title archangelos applied to him in Jude 1:9. The angelology of Pseudo-Dionysius, which was widely read as of the 6th century, gave Michael a rank in the hierarchy of angels.

Later, in the 13th century, others such as Bonventure believed him to be Prince of the Seraphim, the 1st of the 9 angelic orders. According to Thomas Aquinas, Michael is the Prince of the last & lowest choir, the Angels.

Catholics often refer to Michael as “Holy Michael, the Archangel” or “St. Michael.” He’s generally referred to in Christian liturgies as “St. Michael,” as in the Litany of the Saints. In a shortened archangel, is mentioned by name, omitting Saints Gabriel & Raphael.

In Roman Catholic teachings, St. Michael has 4 main roles or offices. His 1st role is the leader of the Army of God & the leader of celestial forces in triumphing over the powers of Hell. He’s viewed as the angelic model for the virtues of the “spiritual warrior,” his conflict with evil taken as “the battle within.”

The 2nd & 3rd roles of Michael in Catholic teachings deal with death. In his 2nd role, he’s the angel of death, carrying the souls of Christians to Heaven. In his 3rd role, he weighs souls on his perfectly balanced scales. The scales are a common object he holds in art.

In his 4th role, St. Michael, the special patron of the Chosen People in the Old Testament, is also Guardian of the Church. St. Michael was revered by the military orders of knights during the Middle Ages. The names of villages around the Bay of Biscay reflect this history.

The Eastern Orthodox give Michael the title Archistrategos, or “Supreme Commander of the Heavenly Hosts.” The Eastern Orthodox pray to their guardian angels & above all, to Michael & Gabriel. The Eastern Orthodox have always had a strong devotion to angels. In modern times, they’re referred to by the term “Bodiless Powers.” Several feasts dedicated to Archangel Michael are celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox throughout the year.

In Russia, many monasteries, cathedrals, courts, & merchant churches are dedicated to the Chief Commander Michael. Most Russian cities have a church or chapel dedicated to the archangel Michael. In Ukraine, the archangel Michael is the patron saint of Kyiv. He became popular from the time of Prince Vsevolod of Kyivan Rus’.

While in the Serbian Orthodox Church, St. Sava has a special role as the establisher of its autocephaly & largest Belgrade church devoted to him, the capital Belgrade’s Orthodox cathedral, the see church of the patriarch, is devoted to Michael.

The place of Michael in the Coptic Church of Alexandra is as a saintly intercessor. He’s the 1 who presents to God the prayers of the just, who accompanies the souls of the dead to Heaven, who defeats the devil. He’s celebrated liturgically on the 12th of each Coptic month.

In Alexandria, a church was dedicated to him in the early 4th century on the 12th of the month of Paoni. The 12th month of Hathor is the celebration of Michael’s appointment in Heaven, where Michael became the chief of the angels.

Seventh-Day Adventists believe that “Michael” is but 1 of many titles applied to the pre-existent Christ, or Son of God. According to Adventist theology, Michael was/is considered the “Eternal Word,” & the 1 by whom all things were created. The Word was then born, incarnated as Jesus.

They believe that the name “Michael” signifies “One Who Is Like God” & that, as the “Archangel” or “chief or head of the angels,” he led the angels; thus, the statement in Revelation 12:7-9 refers to Jesus as Michael.

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Michael is another name for Jesus in Heaven, in His pre-human & post-resurrection existence. They say the definite article in Jude 9 identifies Michael as the only archangel. They consider Michael to be synonymous with Christ, described in 1 Thessalonians 4:16: “with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, & with the sound of the trumpet.”

They believe the prominent roles assigned to Michael in Daniel 12:1, Revelation 12:7, Revelation 16, & Revelation 19:14 are identical to Jesus’ roles, being the 1 chosen to lead God’s people & as the only 1 who “stands up,” identifying the 2 as the same spirit being.

Because they identify Michael with Jesus, he’s considered the 1st & greatest of all God’s heavenly “sons,” God’s chief messenger, who takes the lead in vindicating God’s sovereignty, sanctifying his name, fighting the wicked forces of Satan & protecting God’s covenant people on earth. Jehovah’s Witnesses also identify Michael with the “Angel of the Lord” who led & protected the Israelites in the wilderness.

Members of the Mormon Church believe that Michael is Adam (of Adam & Eve fame), the Ancient of Days (Daniel 7), a prince, & the patriarch of the human family. They also hold that Michael assisted Jehovah (the pre-mortal form of Jesus) in the creation of the world under the direction of God the Father (Elohim). Under the direction of the Father, Michael also cast Satan out of Heaven.

In Islam, Mika’il (Michael) is 1 of 4 archangels along with Jibril (Gabriel, whom he’s often paired with), Israfil (trumpeter angel) & ‘Azra’il (angel of death). In other Islamic literature, Michael is associated with mercy. He asks God for forgiveness for humans & is 1 of the 1st angels who obeyed God’s orders to bow before Adam.

From the tears of Michael, angels of mercy are created as his helpers. Like Gabriel, with whom he’s often mentioned together, Michael is also a messenger. While Gabriel delivers messages from Heaven to humans, Michael delivers messages to the angelic world.

As the angel to execute God’s providence, he’s also associated with natural phenomena & causes rain upon the lands. Unlike Christian traditions, Michael is rarely shown as a warrior-angel, with a few references to the Battle of Badr by Suyuti as an exception.

The Miraj literature on occasion mentions both Gabriel & Michael as 2 angels who showed Muhammad Paradise & Hell. He’s mentioned in Shia supplication (Dua), reportedly handed down by the 6th Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq, in the prayers for blessings for the Bearers of the Throne.

The figures of Michael & Gabriel/Jibril serve as dual pillars of angelology. While they show up in the same texts, their “personalities” & mythological roles are distinct. Michael is the celestial soldier & protector. While Gabriel is the bridge between the divine mind & the human ear.

The name Michael (Mikha’el) translates from Hebrew as a rhetorical question: “Who is like God?” This name is actually a battle cry used during the primordial war in Heaven.

In the Book of Daniel, Michael is described as the “Great Prince” who stands guard over the people of Israel. Jewish Midrash expands on this. It suggests that Michael is the high priest of the Heavenly Temple. When other nations’ guardian angels argue against Israel, Michael acts as the defense in the celestial courtroom. Because after all, God is the judge of all.

Michael’s most iconic role comes from the Book of Revelation. Here, he leads an army of God against the Dragon (a.k.a. Satan). He’s almost always dressed in Roman/Medieval armor, standing over a defeated demon/dragon, holding a spear/sword.

In Catholic traditions, Michael has a secondary role as the Psychopomp. A Psychopomp is a conductor or a guide of souls. The 1 who “weighs” souls at the moment of death. This is why he’s sometimes shown with scales.

In Islamic tradition, Mikail (Michael) is 1 of 4 archangels. While Jibril feeds the soul (through revelation), Mikail is the Angel of Sustenance. He’s responsible for the forces of nature, specifically rain & lightning. Legends say he’s so moved by the majesty of God that he hasn’t smiled since the creation of Hell.

In the United States, Michael is the patron saint of paratroopers, police officers, & the military.

In the General Roman Calendar, the Anglican Calendar of Saints, & the Lutheran Calendar of Saints, Michael’s feast day is Michaelmas Day (September 29). The day is also the feast day of St. Gabriel & Raphael, in the General Roman Calendar & the Feast of St. Michael & All Angels in the Church of England.

In the Eastern Orthodox Church, St. Michael’s principal feast day is November 8. November 21, if they’re using the Gregorian calendar. Honoring him along with the rest of the “Bodiless Powers of Heaven” (angels) as their Supreme Commander, & the Miracle at Chonae is celebrated on September 6.

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, the main feast day is on 12 Hathor (between November 9 & December 9) & 12 Paoni (between June 8 & July 7). He is celebrated liturgically on the 12th of each Coptic month.

On April 7, the Oriental Orthodox Church commemorates the deliverance of the prophet Jeremiah from prison by Michael.

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Archangel Sariel

The name means “God is my ruler.”

He’s an angel mainly from the Judaic tradition. In 1 Enoch (20:6), he’s said to be “1 of the 7 holy angels who watch, who is set over the spirits, who sin in the spirit.”

Origen identified Sariel as 1 of the 7 primordial angels, as the Ophites did. The Ophites/Ophians were a Christian Gnostic sect portrayed by Hippolytus of Rome in a lost work, the Syntagma (“arrangement”). In Gnosticism, Sariel is invoked for his protective powers. He’s commemorated by the Coptic Orthodox Church on 27 Tobi in the Coptic calendar.

He’s not to be confused with the fallen watcher Sahariel (“God is my moon”), who bears a similar name. In 1 Enoch (8:1), he’s said to have taught humans the course of the moon.

In traditional texts, the archangel Sariel is 1 of the holy angels, who is set over the spirits that sin in the spirit. He’s 1 of the angels who look upon the bloodshed on Earth, along with Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, & Uriel.

In the book of 2 Enoch, he’s listed (the name of Samuil or Sariel) as 1 of the angels that brought Enoch to heaven.

The book of War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness (from the Dead Sea Scrolls) lists the name of Sariel (“God is my ruler”) along with Michael, Raphael, & Gabriel as names to write up on the shields of soldiers – in a tower during maneuvers. It’s used on the shields of the 3rd Tower.

In the Ladder of Jacob, Sariel is dispatched by God to explain to him the meaning of the dream about the ladder.

The Liber Juratus of Honorius of Thebes contains several translations that list Sariel as one of the angels of the 8th month, which is called marquesnan heshvan. Marquesnan Heshvan (or Marcheshvan/Cheshvan) is the 2nd month of the civil & the 8th month of the ecclesiastical Hebrew Calendar. Sariel as 1 of “The names for the angels of the 10th month, which is called Tevet.”

The month of Hesvan marquesnan would make Sariel’s ruler Barfiell, or the month of Tevet would make the ruler Anael. The Lesser Key of Solomon lists the Duke’s Asteliel & Gedial as commanding Sariel by night.

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Angelic Ranks Across Religions

This is about the different ranks amongst different religions. We hope you enjoy!

Christianity:

The most famous ranking in Western culture comes from Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite in his 5th century work, The Celestial Hierarchy. He divided angels into 9 “choirs” organized into 3 “triads.”

The First Triad (Comtemplators of God):

Seraphim: The “Burning Ones” They have 6 wings & surround the throne of God, perpetually chanting the Trisagion (“Holy, Holy, Holy”).

Cherubim: Known as the “Plenitude of Knowledge.” In Scripture, they’re guardians of sacred space (like Eden or the Ark of the Covenant).

Thrones: Also called Ophanim (Wheels). They represent divine justice & the “chariot” of God.

The Second Triad (Cosmic Governors):

Dominions (Dominations): They regulate the duties of lower angels & represent the authority of God over the universe.

Virtues: Known as the “Brillant” or “Shining Ones.” They’re associated with miracles & bestowing grace & valor.

Powers: These are “warrior” angels who protect the world from demonic interference & maintain the laws of nature.

The Third Triad (Messengers to Humanity):

Principalities: The “Chief Messengers.” Though common tradition lists many, only Michael, Gabriel, & Raphael are officially recognized in most Catholic & Orthodox canons.

Angels: The lowest rank, most concerned with the affairs of individual humans (including Guardian Angels).

Judaism: The Maimonidean Hierarchy

In Judaism, the ranking of angels is primarily used to explain the different levels of “closeness” to the Divine Essence. The most widely cited list is from Maimonides (the Rambam) in his Mishneh Torah.

Chayot Ha-Kodesh: “Holy Living Creatures.” The highest possible rank.

Ophanim: “Wheels.” Associated with Ezekiel’s vision of the Chariot.

Erelim: “The Valiant Ones.” Linked to the concept of peace.

Chashmalim: “The Glowing/Amber Ones.”

Seraphim: “The Burning Ones.”

Malachim: “Messengers.” The general term for angels.

Elohim: “Godly Beings.” Referring to their divine reflection.

Bene Elohim: “Sons of God.”

Cherubim: Guardians & attendants

Ishim: “Person-like Beings.” They’re the closest to the human intellect.

Islam:

Islam doesn’t use a numbered “1 to 9” hierarchy in the same way Christianity does. Instead, angels (Mala’ika) are categorized by their by their functions.

The Four Archangels:

Jibril (Gabriel): The Angel of Revelation

Israfil (Raphael): The Angel of the Trumpet. This signals the Day of Judgment.

Mikail (Michael): The Angel of Mercy & Providence (weather & sustenance).

Azrael (Malak al-Mawt): The Angel of Death.

The Bearers of the Throne (Hamalat al-Arsh): 8 massive angels who carry the Throne of Allah.

The Cherubim (Al-Karubiyyun): Angels who are perpetually lost in the praises of God, unaware of anything else.

The Recording Angels (Kiraman Katibin): Every human has 2 (Raquib & Atib) who record good & bad deeds.

Munkar & Nakir: The interrogators of the soul in the grave.

Maalik & Ridwan: The guardians of Hell & Paradise, respectively.

Zoroastrianism: The Amesha Spentas:

In Zoroastrianism, the “angels” are emanations of the supreme God, Ahura Mazda. They’re known as the Amesha Spentas (Holy Immortals).

Vohu Manah: Good Mind/Purpose

Asha Vahishta: Best Righteousness/Truth

Khshathra Vairya: Desirable Dominion/Power

Spenta Armaiti: Holy Devotion/Piety

Haurvatat: Wholeness/Health

Ameretat: Immortality

Below these entities are the Yazatas. These are entities/beings “worthy of worship,” like Mithra.

Buddhism: The 26 Heavenly Realms

In Buddhist cosmology, “angels” are called Devas. Rather than a hierarchy, they’re ranked by the level of the Heaven they inhabit.

The 6 Sensual Heavens: Devas here still experience desire (like the Four Great Kings who guard the world).

The 16 Fine-Maternal Heavens (Arupa-loka): Beings of pure consciousness with no physical form at all, existing in states like “Infinite Space” or “Neither Perception nor Non-Perception.”

Hinduism: Celestial Classes

Hinduism features a vast array of celestial beings. While not always called “angels,” they function as intermediaries between the Trimurti (which we’ve covered in another post. Check it out!): Brahma, Vishnu, & Shiva, & humanity.

Devas: The benevolent “shining ones” who govern natural forces (Indra, Agni, Vagu).

Gandharvas: Celestial musicians & messsengers.

Apsaras: Celestial dancers & spirits of the clouds & waters.

Yakshas: Nature spirits & guardians of the earth’s treasures.

Vidyadharas: “Knowledge holders” or magical beings of the air.

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✨ Michael — The Shield ✨
A poem of vision, presence, and protection—where the whisper of his name becomes both prayer and light.

#ArchangelMichael #SpiritualPoetry #MysticalVerse #DivineShield #PoeticInvocation

http://dmedinawriter.blog/2025/09/01/michael-the-shield/

Lucy is not amused 😒🧿

Occultober art challenge
Theme : #AngelDemon

#occultober2024 #art #digitalart #funny #chibiart #angel #demon #archangelmichael #lucifer #art