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September is the month that Michaelmas takes place, when certain Christian denominations honor the feast of St. Michael. A unique figure in Christianity, St. Michael is neither human nor God, instead being an archangel. His imagery is enduring as a warrior of God, and he makes appearances in both the Bible and the Qur’an.
An enigmatic figure, there are no shortage of statues and artwork depicting him. But just where does the legend of this protector and guardian come from? And did he really slay dragons? Click on the gallery to find out!
Archangel Michael's name means "who is like God." He is described as a "special protector of the children of Israel" in the Holy Scriptures.
Michael is often depicted as a warrior with a sword and shield. He is is considered to be the guardian angel of the Church and the protector of Christians.
Michael is mentioned in the Bible in the books of Daniel, Jude, and Revelation. In the book of Daniel, Michael is described as a protector of Israel.
Saint Michael is one of the seven archangels in the Christian tradition. This is a special rank of higher angels, who have been entrusted with specific tasks.
Most of the Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates Michaelmas on November 8.
He is sometimes depicted as holding a scale, symbolizing his role on Judgement Day where he will weigh people's merits.
In the book of Revelation, Michael is depicted as leading the armies of God against Satan.
Archangel Michael is associated with healing and he is invoked for matters of spiritual guidance.
As previously mentioned, as a warrior of God, Michael is often depicted as holding a sword and shield. He was considered the patron saint of the Holy Roman Empire.
Michael is one of four archangels mentioned in the Qur'an. In Islamic tradition, Michael is known as Mika'il and is considered to be the angel of mercy.
In the Catholic tradition, Archangel Michael has four distinct duties to perform.
In Western Christianity, Michaelmas is historically celebrated on September 29 every year. It is also known as the Feast of Michael and All Angels.
As Michaelmas coincides with the harvest season, in the Middle Ages it was a time of feasting and popular traditions.
Archangel Michael has a duty to wage battle against Satan and other fallen angels.
Archangel Michael is often depicted slaying a dragon, which is supposed to represent Satan.
He is the divine protector of the People of God, both the Jews of the Old Covenant and the Christians of the New Covenant.
He has a duty to lead the souls of the departed from this life. Archangel Michael is said to present the departed souls to the Lord upon death, and again at the end of time for final judgement.
He saves the souls of the faithful at the hour of death from the power of Satan.
This rugged, remote island rock is thought to have been dedicated to Archangel Michael as early as 950 CE. It's where the Sword of St. Michael begins.
According to legend, Archangel Michael appeared to the bishop of Avranches, instructing him to build a church where Mont-Saint Michel is situated today.
A majestic monastery to Archangel Michael sits perched at the base of the Alps in Val di Susa.
Seven geographical locations in Europe have sanctuaries to St. Michael, which form the shape of a sword when linked together on a map.
According to legend, there have been three apparitions of Archangel Michael at the Sanctuary in Foggia.
Thought to have been built by Benedictine monks in 495 CE, the monastery on the site in Cornwall was an important place of worship to Saint Michael.
The sacred site in Haifa, close to Nazareth, is the endpoint of the Sword of Saint Michael.
Sources: (Britannica) (Aleteia) (Historic UK) (The Catholic Travel Guide) (Catholic Straight Answers) (Sanctoral) (Catholic Online)
See also: Eerie crypts and their spooky secrets
Devout pilgrims leave gifts in return for asking something of Archangel Michael at the monastery in Symi.
The iconography of St. Michael as a warrior slaying the dragon is ubiquitous, but in Byzantine art he was frequently depicted as a princely court dignitary.
The English word “angel” comes from the Latin angelus, meaning “messenger of God.” The term “archangel” denotes an angel as 'chief' or 'principal.' These angels are higher in rank than guardian angels.
Michael is the patron saint of the military, police officers, firefighters, death, and those who work in dangerous conditions.
Traditionally, Archangel Michael is called upon to free those possessed in bondage to evil spirits. For example, during an exorcism.
Around Michaelmas, darker nights and colder temperatures begin. Michaelmas celebrations encouraged his protection in the darker, winter months when it would be needed more.
Michaelmas and the dragon-slaying legend of St. Michael
This "saint" is actually an archangel
LIFESTYLE Saints
September is the month that Michaelmas takes place, when certain Christian denominations honor the feast of St. Michael. A unique figure in Christianity, St. Michael is neither human nor God, instead being an archangel. His imagery is enduring as a warrior of God, and he makes appearances in both the Bible and the Qur’an.
An enigmatic figure, there are no shortage of statues and artwork depicting him. But just where does the legend of this protector and guardian come from? And did he really slay dragons? Click on the gallery to find out!