Michael (archangel)


 * This article concerns Michael the Archangel. For other uses of Michael, see Michael (disambiguation).

Michael ("Name means::Who is like God?") is the first among the seven archangels and one of the three archangels named in the Bible and the leader of the Army of God. He is considered to be the guardian angel of the Israelites and protector of the Church.

In the Old Testament Book of Daniel, Michael is called "one of the chief princes" (archangels). The Book of Jude, in the New Testament, cites Michael as deferring to God rather than trying to take on Satan by himself in a dispute over the body of Moses. The Book of Revelation also describes Michael fighting the seven-headed dragon, representative of Satan, in a battle in heaven. Catholic and Orthodox Christians refer to him as St. Michael the Archangel or more simply as Saint Michael.