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What are Archangels?

Everyone needs a chief of command and angels are no different. Referred to as archangels, these select few are responsible for overseeing the activities of angels, making sure that God’s will is being performed, and occasionally, delivering a personal message of historical proportion from God. It is believed that either the archangel Michael or Gabriel, appeared in glory before the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, before the conception. This would be an example of the respectability of an archangel’s high post. No regular angel could be adequately selected to deliver this once-in-a-lifetime message.

Hence it’s quite understandable that each angel belongs to a specific rank. This happens in almost what might seem like a council, known as the heavenly court! Where three of the archangels, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael occupy the highest rank in this angelic council.

Let us talk about the three major archangels! namely, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

The Bible points out and provides each of these archangels with a specific and unique mission.

1. Michael: He is the warrior angel who fights Satan and all his followers and he also protects the people of God.
2. Gabriel: Gabriel is one of the spirits dearest and closest to the almighty.
3. Raphael: He who stands before God’s throne!

Overall the task of these three major archangels is to find a way and communicate God’s wills and blessings to the common man in different methods and they are so nothing but an inspiration for all of us fellow human beings. (155)

All in a Name

Names were given to archangels as a way of distinguishing their believed purpose. This term ‘archangel’ is derived from the Greek words arch and angel and means chief angel. The Hebrew meaning for ‘angel’ is messenger. The name Michael, believed to be the highest and most powerful angel, comes from the Greek question, “Who is like God?”, clearly pointing out that he is a dominant figure in the Lord’s eyes. Gabriel, another commonly found archangel name, means “God is my strength”, in Hebrew.

5th century Greek philosopher, Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, provided writings that there were a group of 7 archangels, named Gabriel, Michael, Raphael, Uriel, Raguel, Remiel and Saragael. These names are also mentioned in the Book of Enoch. It is believed that each one had a given day of the week in which they were to represent. Another theory is that there are 4 archangels that represent the following: Raphael for spring, Uriel for summer, Michael for autumn and Gabriel for winter.

But you will be surprised to know how many archangels are there!

There are seven archangels and they are very interesting and correspond to the seven days of our week! Let’s read more about these seven archangels’ names and meanings.

To begin with we have

Michael – Sunday.

Gabriel – Monday.

Uriel – Tuesday.

Raphael – Wednesday.

Selaphiel – Thursday.

Jegudiel or Raguel – Friday.

Barachiel – Saturday.

Archangel Michael.

Though we have talked about Archangel Michael, in a few lines this time let us dive in deep! Archangel Michael means “he who is as God” is generally known as the angel of protection and as we discussed is one of the most powerful of all the other angels. He is also regarded to be the leader within the angelic circle and the true patron angel of justice, righteousness, and mercy.

Archangel Michael will help you when you have courage, energy, vitality, and direction in all aspects of life and even helps with one’s self-esteem.

Archangel Raphael

Archangel Raphael, whose name is translated in Hebrew as the word, “rophe” means “to heal”, hence his name means ‘God Heals’. He is the major patron of travelers and he is constantly watching over them, making sure they have a safe and peaceful journey.

Archangel Gabriel

Gabriels’s name stands for “God is my strength”. Archangel Gabriel is portrayed to be the patron of communications, she is the messenger angel and helps writers, teachers, artists, etc to convey themselves better! helps them to find their confidence and motivation.

Archangel Jophiel

The name Jophiel means ‘beauty of God’. She is the patron of beauty, she helps in maintaining beauty and she helps us in thinking and believing that we are beautiful and in staying positive, and helps in manifesting the true beauty.

Archangel Ariel

Archangel Ariel is one of the most important archangels, her role is to protect the earth and the ecosystem. She is the patron saint of the environment and animals. She is always there for providing guidance, and support for any pursuits that might involve, the wildlife, environment, healing, and rejuvenating. 

But before we conclude, let us get to know who’s the most powerful of the lot!

The Most Powerful

Not only are archangels beholden to God for the work of angels, but also possess extraordinary power to fight evil supernatural forces. For example, Lucifer, once considered ‘a bright morning star’, as the name implies, had to be removed from the heavens once his sinister nature was revealed. It is believed that Archangel Michael was given the duty of tossing out this fallen angel, even though he faced an overpowering strength of evil. This takes tremendous trust of the Father to know that the victory could be won.

Archangels are said to have the luxury of basting in the Master’s presence, surrounded by light and peace. Their dedication and protection of not only the angels, but of the entire universe, have awarded them this great opportunity.

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