Archangel Michael – Who He Is, Prayer, Feast and the Archangels

Archangel Michael is one of the best-known figures of Christian tradition: leader of the heavenly hosts, defender against evil and patron of many cities and professions. Here is who he is, what his name means, where he appears in the Bible, the prayer to St Michael the Archangel and how he differs from the other archangels: Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel.

Who is Archangel Michael?

In Christian tradition an archangel is an angel of the highest rank. Michael is shown as the leader of the angels in the fight against evil. His name comes from the Hebrew Mi-ka-El and means "Who is like God?". In Latin it is Quis ut Deus?, an inscription often seen on his shield.

Archangel Michael in the Bible

Michael appears in three books of Scripture:

  • the Book of Daniel calls him "the great prince" who protects God's people,
  • the Letter of Jude describes his dispute with the devil over the body of Moses,
  • the Book of Revelation describes Michael and his angels fighting the dragon, which is cast down from heaven.

That last scene became the most common motif in art: Michael in armour, with a sword or spear, defeating a dragon or Satan.

Prayer to St Michael the Archangel

The best-known prayer to Archangel Michael comes from Pope Leo XIII at the end of the 19th century. For many years it was said after every Low Mass:

Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly host, by the power of God, cast into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

How to recognise Archangel Michael in paintings and on coins

  • armour and wings – he is the knight of heaven,
  • a sword or spear – a sign of the fight against evil,
  • a shield, often inscribed Quis ut Deus,
  • scales – in tradition Michael weighs souls on Judgement Day,
  • a dragon or Satan under his feet – the scene from Revelation.

Feast day, patronage and shrines

The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael on 29 September (Michaelmas). Michael is the patron of Kyiv (he is on its coat of arms), of soldiers and of paratroopers.

The most famous places of his cult are the grotto on Monte Gargano in Italy, the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel in France and, in Poland, the shrine in Miejsce Piastowe, run by the Michaelite Fathers.

The other archangels: Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel

  • Archangel Gabriel – the name means "God is my strength". He announced the birth of Jesus to Mary. He is the patron of messengers and telecommunications.
  • Archangel Raphael – the name means "God heals". In the Book of Tobit he guides young Tobias on his journey and heals his father. He is the patron of travellers and doctors.
  • Archangel Uriel – the name means "God is my light". He does not appear in the Catholic Bible; he is known from apocrypha such as the Book of Enoch and from Eastern Church tradition.

The Bible names only three archangels: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Tradition speaks of seven.

Archangels on coins

Archangels are a popular motif on silver collector coins, especially in religious series. At Magikos-Coins you will find:

Archangel Michael

Gabriel and Raphael

Some of them are sold out; we keep them in the shop as a collection archive. If you are looking for a specific coin, write to us and we will try to find it.

More coins with sacred motifs are in the Religious coins category. Such a coin also makes a good gift for a name day, christening or confirmation – see Silver coin as a gift.

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Michael mean?

"Who is like God?" (Hebrew Mi-ka-El, Latin Quis ut Deus?).

When is the feast of Archangel Michael?

29 September (Michaelmas). The Church also remembers the archangels Gabriel and Raphael that day.

How many archangels are there?

The Bible names three: Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Tradition speaks of seven archangels.

Is Michelangelo the same as Archangel Michael?

No. Michelangelo Buonarroti was an Italian Renaissance artist who painted the Sistine Chapel frescoes, including the Creation of Adam. Archangel Michael is an angel from the Bible.

Summary

Archangel Michael, "Who is like God?", is the defender against evil remembered on 29 September. His image with sword, shield and dragon has inspired artists for centuries – and today also mints. See religious coins at Magikos-Coins.