ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL

Name signifies: “Who is like unto God”

The name Michael signifies “Who is like God” and was the war-cry of the good angels in the battle fought in heaven against Satan and his followers. An angel of repentance, mercy, and righteousness, Holy Scripture describes St. Michael as “one of the chief princes,” and leader of the forces of heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. He has been especially honored and invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles. Although he is always called “the Archangel,” the Church Fathers and many others place him over all the angels – as Prince of the Seraphim. St. Michael appears in the books of Enoch, Daniel and Revelation. In fact, in Revelation, it is St. Michael leading the charge against Satan with an army of God’s angels.

And there was war in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down–that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” –Revelation 12:7-9