In the Western liturgical calendars, a significant date observed within the Christian community is September 29, traditionally recognized as the day of Saint Michael the Archangel. This day, often referred to as Michaelmas, honors one of the most prominent figures in Abrahamic religions, revered as a leader among angels, a protector against evil, and a champion of God's people.

Saint Michael holds a multifaceted role across various Christian denominations, including Catholicism, Anglicanism, and numerous Protestant traditions. He is frequently depicted as a celestial warrior, leading the heavenly armies against evil forces, most notably against Satan and his fallen angels, as described in the Book of Revelation. Beyond his martial aspect, Michael is also seen as a psychopomp, an escort for souls to the afterlife, and a weigher of souls on Judgment Day, particularly in medieval Christian art and theology. The dedication of this specific day to Saint Michael often commemorates the consecration of a basilica dedicated to him on Monte Gargano in Italy, a site of an alleged apparition of the Archangel in the 5th century.

The Quaternity of Angels

While the Feast of Saint Michael traditionally focuses on the Archangel himself, some Christian denominations expand the commemoration to include other principal angels. In certain liturgical calendars, particularly within the Anglican tradition, the celebration is broadened to "Saint Michael and All Angels" or sometimes explicitly references a quaternity of archangels. In these instances, a reference to a fourth angel, typically Uriel, is added to the more commonly recognized trio of Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael. Uriel, whose name means "God is my Light" or "Fire of God," is often associated with wisdom, repentance, and divine judgment, serving as a beacon of truth and a revealer of mysteries. This inclusion highlights the rich angelic hierarchy and the diverse roles attributed to these heavenly messengers within theological frameworks.

Michaelmas as a Historical Quarter Day

Beyond its spiritual significance, Saint Michael's Day, or Michaelmas, historically served a crucial secular function as one of the four traditional "quarter days" in the fiscal and legal calendars of England, Ireland, and other parts of Great Britain. These quarter days marked the end of quarters for the payment of rent, the hiring of servants, and the commencement of legal terms. They served as pivotal administrative and financial checkpoints throughout the year. The other three quarter days were Lady Day (Annunciation of the Lord) on March 25, Midsummer Day (Feast of St. John the Baptist) on June 24, and Christmas Day on December 25. Michaelmas, falling at the close of the harvest season, often coincided with the collection of rents and the settlement of accounts before the onset of winter, embedding it deeply into the social and economic fabric of past societies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Michaelmas

When is Saint Michael's Day celebrated?

Saint Michael's Day, also known as Michaelmas, is traditionally celebrated on September 29 in Western Christian liturgical calendars.

Who is Saint Michael?

Saint Michael is an archangel revered in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In Christian tradition, he is seen as a leader of the heavenly armies, a protector, and a defender against evil.

Why is Uriel sometimes mentioned with Saint Michael?

While Saint Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are often considered the three primary archangels in many traditions, some denominations, notably Anglicanism, include Uriel as a fourth principal archangel, celebrating "Saint Michael and All Angels" which can encompass this broader group.

What is a "quarter day" and why was Michaelmas one of them?

Quarter days were specific dates in the historical fiscal and legal calendars of England and Ireland, used for settling rents, hiring, and legal proceedings. Michaelmas, on September 29, was one such day, marking a significant point in the agricultural and economic year, especially for rent collection after the harvest.