Will The Real Michael Please Stand Up (Pt. 3)?

Michael in Catholicism

Michael is highly revered in Catholicism. He is called St. Michael the Archangel and is considered as the patron saint of warriors and protectors (e.g., soldiers, police, firefighters etc). He is also the protector of the nation of Israel and of the Catholic church. He is one of the 7 archangels and is the commander of the armies of heaven. This tradition along with many of the traditions concerning Michael were adopted from Judaism, particularly from the 2nd Temple Literature. The 7 archangels are believed to be the 7 spirits of God and is represented by the menorah mentioned in Revelation 4:5

“From the throne came flashes of lightning, rumblings and peals of thunder. In front of the throne, seven lamps were blazing. These are the seven spirits of God.” Revelation 4:5

When Constantine converted to Christianity, he held Michael in high regard because of his warrior status. According to tradition, Constantine the Great ordered that a church dedicated to Michael be built over an ancient pagan temple and this was church was named the Michaelion. A statue of Michael slaying the dragon is first depicted at the Michaelion.

Michael has four major responsibilities according to Catholicism:

1. The first is to combat Satan.
2. The second is to escort the faithful to heaven at their hour of death.
3. The third is to be a champion of all Christians, and the Church itself.
4. And the fourth is to call men from life on Earth to their hea

Michael was also very popular among the Crusaders. They invoked the aid of Michael when battling with the Muslims over the territory of Jerusalem and they attributed their victory to Michael’s assistance. Catholics even have a prayer dedicated to Michael.

Prayer to St. Michael

St. Michael the Archangel,
defend us in battle.
Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou,
O Prince of the heavenly hosts,
by the power of God,
thrust into hell Satan,
and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world
seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.

O glorious prince St. Michael,
chief and commander of the heavenly hosts,
guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits,
servant in the house of the Divine King
and our admirable conductor,
you who shine with excellence
and superhuman virtue deliver us from all evil,
who turn to you with confidence
and enable us by your gracious protection
to serve God more and more faithfully every day.

For Catholics and Orthodox, they pray to Michael and other saints because they believe in the Intercession of the Saints. They also venerate Michael and other saints but they clarify that they give honor to the saints but worship only God.

However, with this practice, there is a fine line between giving honor and idolatry. But that is not the topic for this article.

VERDICT: Jesus and Michael are not the same person.