Michael in the different Christian denominations (Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant)
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1.5 Michael in the different Christian denominations
1.5.1 - The figure of Michael in the Catholic Church
• Official doctrine and roles of the Archangel
In Catholic theology, St Michael the Archangel is recognised as:
• Prince of the heavenly militia: defender against the forces of evil.
• Guide souls to judgement: accompany souls before God.
• Patron of the universal Church: guardian of the Pope and the Blessed Sacrament.
These roles are emphasised in liturgy and popular devotion.
Liturgical Feast and Forms
The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St Michael on 29 September, together with the archangels Gabriel and Raphael. This date commemorates the dedication of a basilica in his honour on the Via Salaria in Rome.
Popular devotions
Devotion to St Michael is spread through:
• Prayer to St Michael: composed by Pope Leo XIII, it invokes the Archangel's protection against evil.
• Corona angelica: a prayer composed of nine salutations in honour of the angelic choirs, approved by Pope Pius IX in 1851.
• St Michael's Scapular: symbol of spiritual protection, approved by Pope Leo XIII.
Civil, military and main places of worship
St Michael is the patron saint of:
• Italian police force: proclaimed by Pope Pius XII in 1949.
• Numerous towns and communities: such as Monte Sant'Angelo, home of the famous sanctuary on the Gargano.
The Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo in Monte Sant'Angelo is one of the main places of worship dedicated to the Archangel, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• Façade of the Sanctuary of San Michele Arcangelo - Monte Sant'Angelo
• Interior of the grotto of the Sanctuary of St Michael Archangel
• Angelic wreath to St Michael Archangel
• Statue of St Michael Archangel - Church of San Michele Arcangelo in Pescia
Video
• Devotion to St Michael Archangel
• Basilica Santuario San Michele Arcangelo - Monte Sant'Angelo
Sources and references
Michael (archangel) - Wikipedia
1.5.2 - The Archangel Michael in the Orthodox Church
• Theological and iconographic vision of the Archangel
In the Orthodox tradition, the Archangel Michael is venerated as Archistrategos, or 'Supreme Commander of the heavenly hosts'. He is considered the defender of the faith and the protector of God's people. Orthodox icons often depict him in the garb of a Byzantine court dignitary, holding the loros, the symbol of imperial authority, or in armour, defeating the devil. These depictions emphasise his role as guide and protector in the fight against evil.
Celebration of the Synaxis of the Archangels (8 November)
The Orthodox Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel and all the Heavenly Powers on 8 November. This liturgical feast commemorates and honours the angels as servants and messengers of God, with special emphasis on Michael and Gabriel. During the celebration, specific hymns and prayers are sung, and solemn liturgies are held in their honour.
Liturgical functions and Byzantine hymns to Michael
In the Byzantine liturgy, the Archangel Michael is celebrated through various hymns and prayers. One of the best known hymns is the Akathistos to St Michael, composed of 24 stanzas: 12 kontakia and 12 ikos, alternating praises and invocations. This hymn is recited standing, as a sign of respect, and is used during liturgical celebrations dedicated to the Archangel.
Sanctuaries and Monasteries in Greece, Russia, Bulgaria, Serbia
The Archangel Michael is venerated in numerous Orthodox shrines and monasteries:
• Greece: The Dochiariou Monastery on Mount Athos is dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Founded in the 10th century, it is one of twenty monasteries on the peninsula and houses a precious icon of Our Lady Gorgoepikoos.
• Russia: The Monastery of St Michael Archangel in Yuryev-Polsky is a significant example of religious architecture dedicated to the Archangel. Founded in the 12th century, it is one of the oldest monasteries in the Vladimir region.
• Bulgaria: The Monastery of Rila, although dedicated to St. John of Rila, houses a chapel dedicated to St. Michael the Archangel, testifying to the spread of his cult.
• Serbia: The Novo Hopovo Monastery in the Fruška Gora region is known for its 16th century Byzantine-style church, dedicated to the Archangel Michael. This monastery is an important spiritual and cultural centre of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• Orthodox icon of the Synaxis of the Archangels
• Dochiariou Monastery - Mount Athos, Greece
• St. Michael the Archangel Monastery - Yuryev-Polsky, Russia
• Novo Hopovo Monastery - Fruška Gora, Serbia
• The Feast of the Synaxis of the Archangels in Orthodox Tradition
Recommended videos
• Dochiariou Monastery - Life and Spirituality on Mount Athos
Sources and references
Michael (archangel) - Wikipedia
Prayer to St Michael - Wikipedia
Dochiariou Monastery - Wikipedia
Synaxis of the Archangels - Orthodox Liturgical Office
1.5.3 - St Michael in Protestant traditions
Doctrinal differences: absence of angel worship
In Protestantism, particularly in its historical currents such as Lutheranism, Anglicanism and Methodism, a different approach to angel worship is observed. Protestant doctrine emphasises the principle of 'sola scriptura', according to which the Bible is the sole authority in matters of faith and practice. Consequently, practices such as the veneration or invocation of angels, not explicitly prescribed in Scripture, are generally absent or limited in Protestant liturgies. However, the Archangel Michael is recognised as a significant biblical figure, mentioned in texts such as the Book of Daniel and Revelation.
Symbolic or historical reading of the figure of Michael
Within Protestant traditions, the Archangel Michael is often interpreted symbolically or historically. Some Reformers, such as Martin Luther and John Calvin, identified Michael with Christ, seeing him as a representation of the Logos or the Word of God. This interpretation emphasises Michael's role as a guide and protector of God's people, rather than as an autonomous object of worship.
Position in the Lutheran, Anglican, Methodist confessions
In the Lutheran, Anglican and Methodist denominations, the Archangel Michael is recognised as a biblical figure, but his cult is not central. However, there are churches dedicated to St. Michael, such as St. Michael's Church in Hamburg, which testify to a certain historical veneration. In addition, the composer Johann Sebastian Bach wrote several cantatas in honour of Michael, including 'Nun ist das Heil und die Kraft' (BWV 50), performed during the feast of Michael and all angels, celebrated on 29 September.
Possible traces of veneration or residual liturgical mentions
Although angel worship is generally absent in Protestant traditions, there are traces of veneration or residual liturgical mentions. For example, some Anglican and Methodist churches recognise four angels as archangels: Michael, Raphael, Gabriel and Uriel. Moreover, the feast of Michael and all angels is still celebrated in some communities, with specific readings and hymns.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• St. Michael's Church - Hamburg, Germany
• Iconography of St Michael in the Protestant tradition
Video
• Cantata BWV 50 - 'Nun ist das Heil und die Kraft' by J.S. Bach
Sources and references
Michael (archangel) - Wikipedia
Protestants and Catholics: understanding the differences - The Lourdes Boutique
The differences between the Anglican and Catholic churches - Holyart
1.5.4 - Doctrinal and symbolic comparison between confessions
Michael as a unifying figure in Christianity
The Archangel Michael is a figure recognised and venerated in several Christian denominations, albeit with different approaches:
• Catholic Church: Michael is considered the 'Prince of the celestial militia', defender of the Church and the souls of the faithful. His liturgical feast is celebrated on 29 September, together with the archangels Gabriel and Raphael.
• Orthodox Church: Venerated as 'Archistrategos', supreme commander of the heavenly hosts, Michael is celebrated on 8 November in the Synaxis of the Archangels.
• Protestant Traditions: While not practising angel worship, many denominations recognise Michael as a significant biblical figure. Some reformers, such as Luther and Calvin, identified him symbolically with Christ.
Differences in the approach to the eschatological and combative role
Christian denominations attribute eschatological and combative roles to Michael with different nuances:
• Catholicism: Michael is seen as a guide of souls to judgement and defender against evil. His iconography often depicts him in the act of defeating the devil.
• Orthodoxy: The Archangel is considered a protector and intercessor, with an emphasis on his liturgical and spiritual rather than combative function.
• Protestantism: The approach is more symbolic; Michael represents the victory of good over evil, often interpreted as an aspect of Christ's ministry.
Influence on spirituality and religious culture
The figure of Michael has influenced spirituality and religious culture in various ways:
• Catholicism: Numerous shrines, such as that of Monte Sant'Angelo in Italy, are dedicated to him. His figure is present in prayers, liturgies and sacred art.
• Orthodoxy: Michael is the protagonist of many icons and liturgical hymns. Monasteries and churches dedicated to him are widespread throughout the Orthodox world.
• Protestantism: Although a less developed cult, the figure of Michael inspired musical works, such as Bach's cantatas, and influenced the liturgy in some denominations.
Recommended multimedia content
Images
• St. Michael the Archangel defeats the devil - Luca Giordano (1666)
1. Orthodox icon of the Synaxis of the Archangels
• St. Michael's Church - Hamburg, Germany
Video
• Devotion to St Michael Archangel in the Catholic Church
• The Feast of the Synaxis of the Archangels
• Cantata BWV 50 - 'Nun ist das Heil und die Kraft' by J.S. Bach
Sources and references
Michael (archangel) - Wikipedia
St Michael and the Archangels - Archdiocese of Bari-Bitonto
The main differences between Catholics and Protestants - Holyart