According to Scripture, Michael (whose name translates to “Who is like God?”) is the chief archangel and guardian prince of God’s people. Jude 9-10 recounts that Michael contended with Satan over the body of Moses. According to a traditional interpretation of this passage, Satan slanderously implied that Moses was too great a sinner, unable to receive God’s eternal grace. Michael would not stand for this slander against God and his prophet and swiftly countered the enemy, saying simply, “The Lord rebuke you.” He then gave the body of Moses an honored buriel (Deut. 34:6). In Daniel (10:13), Michael battled with the demonic “Prince of Persia.” In Revelation (12:7-12), Michael battles Satan and casts him out of heaven so that he can no longer accuse God’s people. September 29, also known as “Michaelmas,” commemorates this angelic warrior along with all archangels. Traditionally, Roman Catholics observe three archangels (Michael and Gabriel and Raphael from the deuterocanonical book of Tobit). Because the traditional Protestant Apocrypha contains more books than the Roman Catholic Deuterocanon, many high church Protestants also observe a fourth archangel on this day (Uriel, from the apocryphal book of 2 Esdras). Eastern Orthodox observe seven or more archangels in their commemorations. Whatever the number of angels observed, Michaelmas is a great festivity, rejoicing in God for his faithful protection through his angelic servants who carry out His purposes for His people.

Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.