The Archangels Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

Stories of God’s most powerful Archangels are told to us in the sacred scriptures of the Bible. They have an extensive heritage in interceding and intervening in human affairs. This trio consists of Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael who have a devout following among the faithful. Their feast day is celebrated on September 29th.

The Old Testament describes Michael as the protector of Israel. Chapter 7 of the Acts of the Apostles tells us that he was the angel who spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai.

Michael went head-to-head against the devil when he led his rebellion against God. Michael defeated the beast and the angels siding with it. Thereafter he was given the right to judge souls seeking entry into heaven. Many medieval images show Michael weighing human souls brought before him for judgement. He is very often depicted vanquishing the dragon.

Michael is the patron of battles, soldiers, mariners, and all uniformed services as well as those individuals believed to be possessed by Satan and other evil spirits. He is often invoked during exorcisms.

In the 5th century Michael appeared in visions at Monte Gargano in Apulia, Italy. Many churches worldwide, especially those built on hilltops, are dedicated to him, such as Mont-St.-Michel in France.

In the Old Testament the Archangel Gabriel was present at the burial of Moses. He visited the prophet Daniel to give him a heads up on the coming of the Messiah. He also helped Daniel interpret a dream which rescued the Israelites.

Stained glass window in St. Sulpice church (Fougeres, France), depicting (from left to right) The Archangels: Michael, Raphael and Gabriel.

In the New Testament Gabriel was charged with telling the old priest Zachariah that his elderly wife Elizabeth would bear a son who would play an important role in salvation history. This son was the cousin of Jesus, John the Baptist.

This was a precursor to the most important message Gabriel delivered. It was to Elizabeth’s cousin Mary, a young maiden in the town of Galilee. He appeared to her to announce that she had been chosen above all women to be the mother of Jesus. We commemorate Gabriel’s visit to Mary as the Annunciation.

The gospel of John tells us that in Jerusalem there was once a pool called Bethesda, where at a certain time every year “an angel stirred its waters.” The first people to enter this pool after this angelic visit would be cured of their illness or disability. By tradition, the Archangel Raphael is credited as this angel.

The Apocryphal Book of Tobit reports that assuming the vessel of a man, Raphael served as a guide to the young traveler Tobias. They traveled to recover a debt owed to the young man’s blind father Tobit. Once at their destination Raphael defeats the demon Asmodeous who had been victimizing a young maiden named Sarah by killing her husbands before her marriages could be consummated. Under the protection of Raphael, Sarah and Tobias were happily married. Once back home, Raphael directs Tobias in restoring his father’s sight. Raphael is the patron of healing and travelers.