For the Apostolic Johannite Church, today is the Feast Day for Archangel Michael whose name means “Who is like God?” This archangel is associated with the element fire, the Tarot suit of Wands, the southern cardinal direction, and the color red.
Michael is Prince of the Archangels, Angel of Deliverance, Ruler of Fire, Commander of the Armies of God, Defender of Gnosis (or Divine Knowledge), and Protector of the Sovereign Patriarch of the Church. This archangel is mentioned in all three of the Abrahamic religions who consider him the leading figure who fights evil. According to Gnostic traditions, it is believed that Michael was present at the Creation.
Michael is the champion of the faithful, opponent of Satan, rescuer of souls at the hour of death, and summon's the souls of men at the Judgment. However, when the faithful fell away from God, Michael would be used to punish them; an example is that Michael was sent to bring Nebuchadnezzar against Jerusalem after they stopped following God's Commandments.
Archangel Michael is the patron of law enforcement, paramedics, and the military around the world. Michael is also the patron of the Holy Roman Empire and modern-day Germany.
The Archangel Michael is often depicted in red robes and holding a flaming sword or scales of divine justice with the Book of Life. Other times, Michael is depicted in armor with helmet, sword or lance, and shield, and standing over a serpent, dragon, or Satan defeated.
Michael is mentioned in the Old Testament and Jewish texts where he appeared to Moses as the Burning Bush, appeared in visions to Daniel, wrestled with Jacob, saved three Hebrew boys in the fiery furnace, appeared to Joshua as he prepared for the Battle at Jericho. Some hypothesize that it was Michael who escorted Enoch to Heaven. In the New Testament, Michael is mentioned in the Book of Revelations where Michael defeats Satan.
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