An archangel is a chief or high-ranking angel. The word comes from the Greek archangelos, meaning chief angel. Archangels are leaders among the angels. They carry important messages. They command heavenly armies. They stand in the presence of God. The Bible names one archangel: Michael. Tradition names others: Gabriel and Raphael.

Michael is the warrior archangel. He fights the dragon in Revelation. He defends God's people in Daniel. He is the protector of Israel. Gabriel is the messenger archangel. He announces the birth of John the Baptist. He announces the birth of Jesus. He explains visions to Daniel. Raphael is the healing archangel. He appears in the Book of Tobit. He heals Tobit's blindness. He guides Tobias on his journey. These three are venerated in Catholic and Orthodox traditions.

Archangels in scripture and tradition

• Michael: warrior, protector, fights evil.
• Gabriel: messenger, announces births.
• Raphael: healer, guide, companion.
• Uriel: fire of God, in some traditions.
• Metatron: in Jewish mysticism.

Archangels are powerful. They are not to be worshiped. They are servants of God. They are messengers. They are warriors. They are healers. They are not gods. They are angels. They are higher than other angels. They are lower than God. They are intermediaries. They are examples. They show us that the spiritual realm is real. They show us that God is active. They show us that we are not alone. Archangels watch over us. They fight for us. They bring us messages. They heal us. They are a comfort. They are a mystery. They are the archangels. Michael. Gabriel. Raphael. And others whose names we do not know.