Saint Michael the Archangel Profile

Saint Michael

Scott P. Richert

Unlike most saints, Saint Michael the Archangel was never a human being who lived on Earth but instead has always been a heavenly angel who was declared a saint in honor of his work helping people on Earth. The name Michael means "who is like God". In the book of Daniel in the Bible, he is called both "one of the chief princes" and "the great prince" as the leading archangel.

About Saint Michael

Saint Michael the Archangel serves as the patron saint of sick people who are suffering from any type of illness. He is also a patron saint of people who work in dangerous conditions such as military personnel, police, security officers, paramedics, sailors, and grocers.

Saint Michael is the leader of all the holy angels above Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel. He is often working on missions to fight evil, proclaim God's truth, and strengthen the faith of the people. Although he is called a saint, he is truly an angel and a leader of them and ultimately the army of God. By definition, he is above others in the rank.

There are less than five scriptures about him, but from that, we can gather that one of his main strengths involves protection from enemies. He is rarely mentioned by name in the Old Testament and is primarily referred to in the book of Daniel.

Roles and Responsibilities

In the Catholic church, Saint Michael is to perform four major roles and responsibilities:

  1. The Enemy of Satan and the fallen angels - In this role, he had won a victory over Satan and had him kicked out of Paradise, ultimately leading to his achievement at the hour of the final battle with Satan.
  2. The Christian angel of death - In the specific hour of death, Saint Michael comes down and offers each soul the chance to redeem themselves before dying.
  3. Weighing souls - Saint Michael is often depicted holding scales when Judgment Day comes.
  4. Saint Michael is the Guardian of the Church and all Christians.

Elements

Saint Michael is known to represent the direction south and the element of fire in several ways:

  • Michael sparks a desire in individuals to learn about their spiritual truth and to develop a stronger relationship with God.
  • He is also there in times of redemption to burn sins out of their lives while he protects them.
  • Lastly, he helps people get rid of their fear and to go on with a passion, like fire, to love God as he also loves them.

Images and Art

Depicted in religious art as a young man, he is also winged, handsome, and clad in armor with a supporting sword and shield to combat the dragon. Other times, he has been known to be ​carrying the scales of justice. These symbols show his strength and courage as he is constantly moving against the current of evil.

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Hopler, Whitney. "Saint Michael the Archangel Profile." Learn Religions, Aug. 25, 2020, learnreligions.com/saint-michael-the-archangel-124397. Hopler, Whitney. (2020, August 25). Saint Michael the Archangel Profile. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/saint-michael-the-archangel-124397 Hopler, Whitney. "Saint Michael the Archangel Profile." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/saint-michael-the-archangel-124397 (accessed March 28, 2024).