Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael

Sts. Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are the three holy archangels named in Sacred Scripture, celebrated together in a single feast that honors the ministering spirits who stand before God and are sent to serve his saving plan. Michael, whose name means "Who is like God?", is the prince of the heavenly host who casts down the dragon in the Book of Revelation and is honored as protector of the Church and defender of God's people against the powers of evil.

Gabriel, whose name means "God is my strength," is the messenger who interpreted visions to the prophet Daniel and who announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and, above all, the Incarnation of the Lord to the Virgin Mary at the Annunciation. Raphael, whose name means "God heals," is the angel of the Book of Tobit who guided the young Tobias on his journey, drove away the demon, and restored sight to the blind Tobit. Once kept as separate observances, their feast — long known in the West as Michaelmas — is celebrated together on 29 September.