The Archangel is a type of angel mentioned in Christianity, Judaism and Islam. The word “Archangel” comes from Latin archangelus, which is composed by the Ancient Greek words αρχειν, "àrchein" (to command) and αγγελος, "àngelos" (angel).
The idea of seven archangels is explicitly stated in the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit when Raphael reveals himself, declaring:
"I am Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand in the glorious presence of the Lord,
ready to serve him."
(Tobit 12,15)
The other two angels mentioned by name in the Bible are Michael and Gabriel. The four names of other archangels come from tradition. They all are celebrated every year on 29 September and each one of them is associated with a particular patronage.
Discover more about the 3 most famous Archangels of Christianity, by reading the paragraphs below.
Saint Michael the Archangel
St. Michael is probably the most famous of the 7 Archangels and he is famous for being the leader of the army of God against Satan; for this reason, the most famous iconography of this Archangel depicts him while defeating Lucifer with a sword and with a scale on the left hand, with which he weighs the souls of humans. According to Christian hermeticism, Michael is the Archangel who holds the equilibrium of the solar system and that of the inner system of human beings. The scale on his left hand wants to represent his important role as a “balancer” of Christians.
On the other hand, the sword represents the power of change and liberation, but also the ability to discern and distinguish between good and evil.
Another important figure that appears in the most iconic iconographies is the dragon, over which he triumphs without ever killing him definitively. The dragon is a symbol of evil that must be subjugated but never completely canceled, because it is functional to evolution.
There is no good, without evil.
Saint Michael the Archangel, guardian of the Catholic Church, is the Patron Saint of Jewish people, sick, army, Police Officers, Paramedics, Sailors, Paratroopers, Firemen, Radiologists, Grocers, and many countries and cities of the world, such as the Vatican, France, Ukraine, Bruxelles, Kiev, Naples Philippines, Germany, Belarus, Normandy and many more.
If you feel a strong devotion for this Archangel, here is a hand-carved statue in wood you can dedicate your prayers to. This St. Michael's statue depicts the Archangel while defeating Satan and it can be so inspirational for your daily prayers and requests of divine protection against evil and temptations.
Saint Gabriel the Archangel
St. Gabriel is the Archangel we all know for being the one who announced to Mary that she was going to give birth to the Son of God, Jesus our Savior. He is the herald of visions, the messenger of God and one of the most important and famous angels. It makes God's message understandable to people and helps them accept it with a pure heart. Do you remember the mystery of Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary? He was the Archangel who gave her the good news about her future pregnancy.According to the Book of Daniel (chapter 8), the angel Gabriel looks "like a man". In Christian art, Gabriel is sometimes depicted with masculine features, sometimes feminine, sometimes as a hybrid. His role as an announcing angel is characteristic of his representation. It is characterized by the white lily with which it is depicted when the birth of Jesus is announced to Mary, the Blessed Mother of Jesus. The white color is here as a symbol of spirituality and purity.
If you are devoted to St. Gabriel or someone of your loved ones is named like that, you can get the religious medal of this famous Catholic Saint. For a unique gift, ask for the engraving of its back.
Saint Raphael the Archangel
Last but not least, St. Raphael is the third most famous Archangel in Christianity, the one who represents spousal love and health, since his own name means “God heals”.
Raphael is the third angel mentioned in the Bible, in the Book of Tobit (or Tobias) in which he appears in human form with the name of Azaria. Note that this book is recognized as canonical for Catholics and Orthodox, but apocryphal for Jews and Protestants.
Raphael is the guide and defender of the young Tobias, sent by God to help him in the task entrusted to him by his blind father to collect a credit that he had left in a city of Media. During the journey, Raphael procures a happy marriage to Tobias with the young Sarah, the healing of the same from the torments of the devil and Tobias’s father from blindness.
For this reason, he is considered the Patron Saint of the sick, blind, Shepherds, travelers, Pharmacists, Nurses, Doctors, young people and he is usually invoked against eye problems, insanity, mental illness, nightmares and difficult marriages.
He is the Archangel of health, cure and love. He is the one who heals everything, for a healthy life (physically and mentally).
If you are devoted to St. Raphael the Archangel, you can recite this beautiful prayer to ask for his intercession to God for healing. Recite it with faith.
Prayer to St. Raphael for Healing
O glorious Archangel Saint Raphael,
great prince of the heavenly court,
you are illustrious for your gifts of wisdom and grace.
You are a guide of those who journey by land or sea or air,
consoler of the afflicted and refuge of sinners.
I beg you, assist me in all my needs and in all the sufferings of this life,
as once you helped the young Tobias on his travels.
You are the medicine of God.
I humbly pray you to heal the many infirmities of my soul
and the ills that afflict my body.
I ask you this favor (mention it).
Please, let your grace give me purity and prepare me to be the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Amen