St. Michael is the chief commander of the heavenly hosts. He’s not a human who became a saint, he’s an archangel, a created spiritual being who serves God by protecting the Church, waging war against demonic forces, and carrying out God’s will.
We call him Archistrategos, which means “chief commander.” Think of him as the general of God’s army. When you see his icon, he’s usually shown as a warrior in armor, often with a sword, sometimes trampling a dragon or Satan underfoot. That’s not just artistic license. It’s what he does.
What Scripture Tells Us
Michael appears by name in the book of Daniel, where he’s described as “the great prince who protects your people.” He shows up in the New Testament too. In Revelation, he leads the war in heaven against the dragon. In the epistle of Jude, he contends with the devil over Moses’ body. These aren’t random appearances. They show us his role: protector, defender, opponent of evil.
The Church has always read these passages as revealing Michael’s ongoing work. He protected Israel. He protects the Church. He assists at key moments in salvation history and stands guard over human souls.
Angels in Orthodox Theology
Here’s what we believe about angels. They’re created beings, rational, immortal, spiritual. They don’t have bodies like we do. They glorify God, serve Him, and minister to us by delivering messages, protecting us, and executing divine judgment and mercy as God permits. Archangels like Michael hold particular responsibilities among the angelic orders.
Angels aren’t divine. We don’t worship them. But we do venerate them and ask their intercession, just as we ask the prayers of the saints. There’s a difference between honor and worship, and the Church has always maintained that distinction carefully.
How We Honor St. Michael
We keep his feast on November 8, the Synaxis of the Archangels. That’s when the Church commemorates Michael, Gabriel, and all the bodiless powers liturgically. Parishes named for St. Michael typically celebrate their patronal feast on that day. You’ll hear special hymns called troparia and kontakia that address Michael as Archistrategos and ask him to entreat God for our souls.
Many parishes have icons of St. Michael. You might see him at the church entrance or near the icon screen. Believers ask his intercession for protection and deliverance. When you’re facing spiritual attack or feel surrounded by darkness, Michael’s the one you call on. He’s been fighting that battle since before time.
Why Our Parish Bears His Name
Naming a parish for St. Michael connects us to an ancient practice. Churches have been dedicated to saints and angels for centuries. It signals who we look to as our protector and patron. For an Antiochian parish, it emphasizes continuity with the early Church and the example of heavenly intercessors who embody faithful service to God.
St. Michael isn’t just our parish’s namesake. He’s our guardian, our model of obedience to God, and our defender in the spiritual warfare that’s always happening whether we notice it or not. When hurricane season rolls through Southeast Texas or when life feels like it’s coming at you from all sides, it’s good to know the chief commander of heaven’s armies is watching over this community.
If you visit on November 8, you’ll see how we celebrate. The hymns are beautiful and ancient, full of imagery about Michael’s victories and his protection of the faithful. Come stand with us and ask his prayers. He’s been doing this work a long time, and he’s not stopping now.
