Who is Saint Michael Archangel?

Saint Michael is one of the seven archangels and is among the three whose names appear in the Bible. The other two are Gabriel and Rafael. The Holy Church gives Saint Michael the highest place among the archangels and calls him "Prince of the heavenly spirits", "chief or head of the heavenly militia". Already from the Old Testament appears as the great defender of the people of God against the devil and his powerful defense continues in the New Testament. Very appropriately, he is represented in art as the warrior angel, the conqueror of Lucifer, putting his heel on the head of the infernal enemy, threatening him with his sword, piercing him with his spear, or ready to chain him forever in the abyss of hell. Christianity from the primitive Church venerates Saint Michael as the angel who defeated Satan and his followers and cast them out of heaven with his sword of fire. It is traditionally recognized as the guardian of the Christian armies against the enemies of the Church and as a protector of Christians against the diabolical powers, especially at the time of death.

The Fidelity of Saint Michael to God:

The same name of Michael, invites us to give him honor, since it is a cry of enthusiasm and loyalty. It means "Who is like God." Satan trembles when he hears his name, as it reminds him of the cry of noble protest that this archangel manifested when the angels rebelled. Saint Michael manifested his strength and power when he fought the great battle in heaven. Because of his zeal and fidelity to God, a large part of the heavenly court remained faithful and obedient. His strength inspired courage in the other angels who joined his cry of nobility: "Who is like God?" From that moment on he is known as the captain of the militia of God, the first prince of the holy city to whom the other angels obey.

Saint Michael in the Sacred Scriptures

In the Old Testament, St. Michael appears as the guardian of the Hebrew nation.

EIn the book of Daniel, God sends Saint Michael to assure Daniel of his protection. " The prince of the kingdom of Persia …, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…” Daniel 10:3 "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. Daniel 12: 1

In the book of Exodus the Lord said to the Israelites: "Behold, I am going to send an angel before you to guard you along the way and to bring you into the place which I have prepared. Be on your guard before him and obey his voice; do not be rebellious toward him, for he will not pardon your transgression, since My name is in him. But if you truly obey his voice and do all that I say, then I will be an enemy to your enemies and an adversary to your adversaries. For My angel will go before you and bring you in to the land of the Amorites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Canaanites, the Hivites and the Jebusites; and I will completely destroy them. You shall not worship their gods, nor serve them, nor do according to their deeds; but you shall utterly overthrow them and break their sacred pillars in pieces. Ex 23:20-24.

Saint Michael received from God the task of carrying out his designs of mercy and justice for his chosen people. We see how Judas Maccabees before starting any battle in defense of the law and the Temple called for the help of Saint Michael and entrusted him with his defense:

When Judas and his men heard that Lysias was laying siege to their forts, they and all the people cried and wept, begging the Lord to send a good angel to save them… But they had not gone far from Jerusalem, when suddenly they noticed they were being led by a horseman dressed in white and carrying gold weapons. Immediately all of them together thanked God for his mercy; he had made them brave enough… - 2 Mac 11:6

Lord, when Hezekiah was king of Judah, you sent your angel, who killed 185,000 of King Sennacherib's men. Now once again, Lord of heaven, send your good angel to make our enemies shake and tremble with fear. With your great power, destroy these people who have slandered you and have come out to attack your chosen people. - 2 Mac 15:22.

The position of Saint Michael is also very important in the New Testament (N.T.) where his powerful defense continues. With his angels, he wages the victorious battle against Satan and the rebellious angels, who are cast out of hell. That is why he is venerated as the guardian of the Church. “Then a war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But the dragon was not strong enough, and no longer was any place found in heaven for him and his angels. And the great dragon was hurled down—the ancient serpent called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world.” Revelation 12, 7-9