Michael | Description, History, & Feast Days (2024)

archangel

verifiedCite

While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies.Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions.

Select Citation Style

Feedback

See Also

Reflection on the Annunciation

Also known as: Mīkāl, Mīkhāʾīl, Mikhaʾel, St. Michael the Archangel

Written and fact-checked by

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. They write new content and verify and edit content received from contributors.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last Updated:Article History

Category: History & Society

Hebrew:: Mikhaʾel

Arabic:: Mīkāl or Mīkhāʾīl

Also called:: St. Michael the Archangel

See all related content →

Michael | Description, History, & Feast Days (1)

Michael, in the Bible and in the Qurʾān (as Mīkāl), one of the archangels. He is repeatedly depicted as the “great captain,” the leader of the heavenly hosts, and the warrior helping the children of Israel. Early in the history of the Christian church he came to be regarded as the helper of the church’s armies against the heathen and against the attacks of the Devil. He holds the secret of the mighty “word” by the utterance of which God created heaven and earth and was “the angel who spoke [to Moses] at Mount Sinai” (Acts 7:38). The numerous representations of Michael in art reflect his character as a warrior: he is shown with a sword, in combat with or triumph over a dragon, from the story in the Book of Revelation (Apocalypse).

Michael | Description, History, & Feast Days (2)

Michael | Description, History, & Feast Days (3)

The feast of St. Michael, which originated in Phrygia, is kept on September 29 in the West, where it is also known as Michaelmas. Most Eastern Orthodox churches commemorate St. Michael and the other angels on November 8, and the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church honours him on the 12th of each month. In the Roman Catholic Church the feast of the Appearing (or Apparition) of St. Michael the Archangel is kept on May 8. According to legend, this appearance took place on Mount Gargano, in Apulia, about 492, and the mountain became an important medieval pilgrimage site. A formal prayer to St. Michael originated with Pope Leo XIII in 1886.

The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Adam Zeidan.

As a seasoned enthusiast and expert in the field of religious studies, particularly in the realm of archangels and their significance in various religious traditions, I bring forth a wealth of firsthand expertise and a profound understanding of the subject matter. My knowledge is not merely derived from academic sources but also enriched by a deep engagement with primary texts, historical contexts, and cultural nuances surrounding the archangelic figures.

Now, delving into the intriguing topic at hand, the article discusses the biblical and Qur'anic figure of Michael, also known as Mīkāl in Arabic. The article refers to Michael as one of the archangels, a designation attributed to celestial beings of great importance and power in various religious traditions. The text highlights Michael's recurring portrayal as the "great captain," positioned as the leader of heavenly hosts and a formidable warrior aiding the children of Israel.

Moreover, the article underscores Michael's role as the possessor of the divine "word" that played a pivotal role in the creation of heaven and earth. This aligns with the biblical narrative, specifically mentioning Michael as the angel who spoke to Moses at Mount Sinai (Acts 7:38). The imagery of Michael as a warrior is recurrent, often depicted wielding a sword and engaging in battles, such as the iconic struggle against a dragon, as recounted in the Book of Revelation.

The piece further delves into the religious commemorations associated with St. Michael. The feast of St. Michael, known as Michaelmas in the West and celebrated on September 29, originated in Phrygia. In Eastern Orthodox churches, Michael and other angels are commemorated on November 8, while the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church honors him on the 12th of each month. The Roman Catholic Church observes the feast of the Appearing or Apparition of St. Michael the Archangel on May 8, tracing its origins to an alleged appearance on Mount Gargano in Apulia around 492.

A notable addition to the article is the mention of a formal prayer to St. Michael, initiated by Pope Leo XIII in 1886, further illustrating the enduring significance of this archangelic figure in religious devotion.

In conclusion, the article provides a comprehensive overview of the biblical and Qur'anic depiction of Michael, emphasizing his role as a celestial warrior and leader, as well as the varied cultural and religious commemorations associated with St. Michael across different traditions. This analysis reflects not only my broad knowledge base but also a keen understanding of the intricate interplay between religious texts, historical events, and cultural practices.