Holy Michael and All Angels (Michaelmas)
A Celebration of the Ministry of Angels September 29
Holy Michael and All Angels, celebrated on September 29, is a day for giving thanks for the ministry of the angels and especially for Michael the Archangel, the captain of the heavenly host. Angels give us messages from God, provide guidance and protection, fight against the forces of evil, enact God’s judgments, and continually worship God in the heavenly realm. Michael’s triumph over the dragon in Revelation symbolizes Christ’s ultimate triumph over Satan, a source of courage and hope for the Church in its earthly struggles. The feast is both a thanksgiving for God’s heavenly hosts and a summons to steadfastness, vigilance, and confidence in Christ’s protection until His kingdom is fully revealed.
Scripture
- Genesis 28:10-17
- Psalm 103
- Rev. 12:7-12
- John 1:47-51
Collect
Everlasting God, you have ordained and constituted in a wonderful order the ministries of angels and mortals: Mercifully grant that, as your holy angels always serve and worship you in heaven, so by your appointment they may help and defend us here on earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Invitations and Traditions
Read
- Angels in the bible: Revelation 12, Ezekiel 10, Revelation 8, Luke 2:13-15, Genesis 19:1, Psalm 91:11, Matthew 24:31
- Poetry: ‘St Michael and All Angels,’ by Keble, ‘St. Michael’s Day Sonnet,’ by Malcom Guite
- Children’s books: St. George and the Dragon (St. George is the earthly “type” of St. Michael). Our favorite is the picturebook retelling by Margaret Hodges, illustrated by Trina Schart Hymal
Reflect
- On the spiritual battle between good and evil, the reality of the unseen world of angels and their role in our lives, and Christ’s protection and ultimate victory.
- Here is a helpful booklet made by an Anglican priest for parents to use when teaching their children
Especially for Children
- Fight a dragon: Make bread in the shape of a dragon and slay it with a butter knife or get a dragon piñata and have at it… the ideas are endless, especially if you have young sons!
- Feats of strength: Tug of war, obstacle course, carrying heavy things can remind us of the strength and courage needed to fight evil, of our weakness and need for the greater strength of God
- Act it out: Put on a play or skit of the heavenly battle from Revelations, or the story of St George and the dragon. Children will have a blast being an angel, dragon or knight in shining armor.
- Sing and dance: Make it a point to rejoice in the knowledge of Christ’s victory over satan. Dance on the grave and crush the serpent’s head!
Feast
- Eat roast goose (or chicken) and carrots (traditional English fare for the day).
- Make bannocks (traditional Scottish fare for the day).
- Enjoy something with blackberries, like blackberry pie or turnovers (According to an Irish legend, when Michael cast Lucifer out of Heaven, he fell on a blackberry bush and cursed and spat on the blackberries, making them sour after September 29 so all blackberries must be eaten up by this day).
Nature
- Traditionally a “quarter day” in England (others being Lady Day, Midsummer Day, and Christmas Day), Michaelmas also marked the turning of the seasons, the settling of rents and contracts, and the beginning of academic and legal terms — reminders that the order of daily life is under God’s providence. At Oxford and Cambridge, “Michaelmas term” is still the name of the autumn term.
- Hunt for Michaelmas Daisies (purple asters) & decorate your table with them