Archangel Michael: He Who is Like God
Who is this illustrious denizen of heaven? What is his purpose? Is he worthy of worship? This and other questions are always in the mind of those who consider spiritual matters.
Who is Michael?
For most Christians, Jews and Muslims, Michael is an archangel; a commander, majestic figure or prince of the heavenly legions.
There is debate about his role and as regards to what choir of angels he belongs to.
Some, beginning with St. Basil, identify him as the chief of all the angels. Others consider him the prince of the seraphim, one of those fiery, six winged beings that attend to God, and, therefore, are part of the highest choir of angels. While still others authorities, like Thomas Aquinas, positioned Michael as the leader of the lowest choir, the angels.
Citing the language used in numerous Bible verses, many Evangelical Christians believe that Michael is the manifestation of Jesus of Nazareth before his earthy life. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Mormons, consider Michael as the heavenly manifestation of Adam.
No matter what anybody believes Michael to be, the one aspect that cannot be denied is his importance and status in the angelic world.
What is his role?
All relevant information points to Michael being first and foremost the commander–in-chief of the holy armies. He leads God’s troops in the battle against Satan and his fallen angels.
This martial view of the Archangel is grounds for him being chosen as the benefactor of many military and paramilitary
organizations. Michael is the patron of police officers, soldiers – mainly fighter pilots and paratroopers. He is also in charge of protecting mariners, grocers, radiologists, postal workers, longshoremen, paramedics, the sick and Israel.
He is the patron of countries such as England, Germany and Papua-New Guinea as well as cities like Kiev, Brussels and Cuneo.
Michael is the angel of death, who accompanies the soul of the dead to heaven. He is the protector against the dark of night and the overseer of cosmic intelligence.
In the Middle Ages, Michael was the patron of knights and numerous chivalric orders, some of which survive to this day.
Michael was also used by God as an important messenger. He is widely considered the angel who prevented the sacrifice of Isaac and, twice, the murder of Jacob. In addition, many believe him to be the angel who talked to Moses from the burning bush.
Is Michael worshiped?
The Christian, Islam and the Jewish faith judge that nobody is worthy of worship except God. Christians, who believe that Jesus of Nazareth is God, also worship Jesus.
From all this it can be deducted that only the Christians who consider Michael as a manifestation of Jesus would worship him.
Like most other archangels and saints, Michael is venerated in the Catholic Church and some other Christian denominations.
In the Catholic and Lutheran calendars, the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel falls on September 29. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates it on November 8.
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REFERENCES
Creation Science Prophecy - Who is Michael the Archangel in the Bible?
New Advent - St. Michael the Archangel
Angels are creations of God. As we know the most beautiful of them all wanted to fly higher than his creator and was cast down to hell. There are also stories of angels who bred with humans which may have resulted in mythological creatures and giants.