The word “archangel” is commonly found in Christian thought and literature. Christ is often described as returning during the Second Coming “with the archangel’s call and with God’s trumpet.” However, for all the importance of and Christian fascination with archangels they are mentioned very rarely in the Scriptures.
Depending on the translation used the word “archangel” will only appear in the Bible once, twice, three times or not at all. As such, the actual number of archangels is disputed and evidence is often pulled from tradition or the Apocrypha.
The Apocrypha are the books of the Bible that were either included in some version of the canonical Bible or were never included in the official canon but nonetheless shed light on important biblical events or the Bible’s history. Such books are often sited in discussions concerning archangels and can be used to construct a rough list of the names of heavenly archangels.
Michael
Michael is the archangel whose status is least in dispute. In many translations of the Bible Michael is the only archangel identified as such. The book of Jude identifies Michael as “the archangel Michael” in verse 9. The book of Daniel also references the archangel Michael but does not identify him as such. Instead, Michael is referred to as “one of the chief princes” in Daniel 10:13 and as “Michael, your prince.”
With Michael’s name canonically associated with the word “archangel,” most Christian denominations recognize him as an archangel. In some cases he is believed to be the only archangel. Such traditions tend to reference how Jude 1:9 refers to Michael as “the archangel,” interpreting the verse as stating that Michael is the only archangel in existence. Other traditions hold that Michael is the only confirmed archangel. They hold that there may be others but that it is best not to presume and declare that other angels are archangels without confirmation in the Scriptures.
Gabriel
Gabriel is one of the only angels identified by name in the Bible. He appeared to Daniel and foretold of the coming of the Messiah and the destruction of Jerusalem. Gabriel had previously interpreted in one of Daniel’s visions. For all his importance in the Old Testament Gabriel is most often remembered for his role in the conception and birth of Jesus. Gabriel is the angel who appeared to the Virgin Mary and told her that she would be the mother of the Son of God.
Given his importance to the biblical story Gabriel is commonly believed to be an archangel. Many Christians refer to him as “the archangel Gabriel” and are surprised to discover that the Scriptures never actually identify him as such.
The Orthodox Church identifies Gabriel as one of seven archangels and the Book of Enoch, one of the apocryphal books, names Gabriel in two lists of archangels. Between apocryphal references and church tradition Gabriel’s status as archangel is commonly accepted. It is not, however, confirmed in the actual text of the Bible.
Raphael
Raphael is another commonly named “archangel”, but, like Gabriel, the canonical Bible never explicitly states that he is an archangel. His presence is identified as such in the apocryphal book of Tobit. In Tobit Raphael heals, protects and saves the virtuous Israelite Tobit, Tobit’s son Tobias and Sarah, the woman Tobias eventually marries. In the book, Raphael journeys with Tobias while pretending to be a relative named Azariah. When Raphael eventually reveals himself as an angel, he says that he is “Raphael, one of the seven angels who stand ready and enter before the glory of the Lord.” This statement is sometimes translated as one of the seven archangels and is also frequently referenced as the text which indicates the number of archangels in heaven.
Many are unaware that like Gabriel, Raphael is not canonically listed as an archangel. Along with Gabriel and Michael he is one of the angels most commonly called an archangel. Both the Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches officially recognize Raphael as an archangel. They both also agree with the line in Tobit that states there are seven such archangels.
Jeremiel
Jeremiel is one of the contested archangels, though he has a better case for his status than most. Another book from the Apocrypha, 2 Esdras, explicitly identified Jeremiel as an archangel. In 2 Esdras 4, Jeremiel answers the prophet Ezra’s pleas for answers about Israel’s disgrace. He is specifically named “the archangel Jeremiel” in 2 Esdras 4:36 and is recognized by the Orthodox Church as one of the seven archangels.
Uriel
Uriel is one of the Orthodox Church’s seven recognized archangels. He is also mentioned in Verse 20 of the apocryphal book, Enoch. Uriel is said to watch over the world and “over Tartarus.” The Greek abyss of torment, Tartarus is likely meant to symbolize the still developing concept of Hell at that time. Uriel is also cautiously, if unofficially, recognized by the Catholic Church as one of the seven archangels.
His name is not given in the official canon so he is not recognized officially. However, many Catholics familiar with the Apocrypha believe the Uriel is one of the four unnamed archangels.
Raguel and Remiel
Raguel and Remiel are two of the other archangels named in Enoch 20.
The archangel Raguel is said to take vengeance on the “world of the luminaries” who have rebelled against God’s laws. He punishes sinners and some translations of the Bible identify Raguel as the angel who separates the souls of the faithful from the unfaithful. Beyond being judge and avenger Raguel is associated with justice, fairness and redemption. He is also commonly accepted as an archangel among Catholics but has not been officially recognized as such.
Remiel is also often identified by Catholics as an archangel despite not holding that status officially. Remiel is considered to be the angel of hope and the one who guides faithful souls to heaven and watches over those who will be resurrected. In 2 Baruch 55:3 of the Apocrypha, it is also stated that Remiel “presides over true visions.” Beyond the uncertainty of Remiel’s official status as archangel, Remiel’s name is actually in question. Some traditions hold that the archangel Remiel is actually Jeremiel or Uriel while others claim that Remiel is no longer an angel at all as some translations of the book of Enoch name a “Remiel” as a fallen angel who took a human wife. Remiel is usually seen as an angel of some sort, though, with the argument being made that there were two angels named Remiel, one who fell and one who did not.
Zerachiel
Zerachiel is the seventh archangel, as commonly accepted by Catholics. Like Remiel and Raguel, he is has never been officially recognized as an archangel by the Roman Catholic Church but is often identified as such by practicing Catholics. Some believe that Zerachiel is actually the angel Suriel mentioned in the book of Enoch, while others hold that they are two different beings. Like Suriel, whose name is also spelled Sariel or Saraqael, Zerachiel has also been called Zachariel and Zahariel.
Selaphiel, Jehudiel, and Barachiel
Selaphiel, Jehudiel and Barachiel are the remaining three archangels recognized by the Orthodox Church. Selaphiel is said to pray to God for mankind and is often depicted in a prayerful posture with his head down and hands folded. Some traditions hold that Selaphiel is said to be the angel in the book of Revelation who presents the prayers of mankind to God while others believe he is the angel who saved Adam and Eve from Satan after they were forced to leave Eden.
Jehudiel is said to encourage exertion for the glory of God and distribute the reward for those efforts. His depiction is somewhat more intricate than Selaphiel’s. Jehudiel is often shown holding a whip with three red or black thongs in his left hand and a golden crown in his right. Barachiel is shown with a white rose on his breast and is said to entreat God to have mercy on His people. Barachiel also distributes the blessings earned through good deeds.
Saraqael
Sometimes said to be the same as the angel Zerachiel, Saraqael is named as one of the “angels who watch” in chapter 20 of the Book of Enoch. His job is the watch over “the spirits, who sin in the spirit”.Saraqael’s name has many versions and translations some of which look little like “Saraqael” when written with English letters. However, like Remiel, Saraqael’s name is not the only thing is dispute. In the book of Enoch, Saraqael is listed as one of the fallen angels who lusted after human women, but he is also listed later as one of God’s holiest angels.
Phanuel
Phanuel is the fourth and final archangel named in chapter 40 of the Book of Enoch. In this chapter Enoch hears four voices praising the Lord and sees four archangels standing on the four sides of God. The four “angels of presence,” as they later came to be called were identified in the book of Enoch as Michael, Raphael, Gabriel and Phanuel. In the same passage Phanuel is stated to be the angel who acts as a guardian of those who repent in the hope of inheriting eternal life. He is sometimes said to be the same archangel as Uriel, however their names have different meanings and they are both listed in Enoch as having separate duties.
Despite the fascination with archangels that is so common among Christians the number and names of the archangels are highly debated. Some draw their list from the Apocrypha others from the traditions of their denomination and still others from the angels whose names are stated in the Bible itself. Regardless of the competing traditions and contradictory lists there is no doubt that archangels will continue to be a source of great interest and veneration among people of all ages and denominations.
The Purpose of Archangels
Most Archangels are designated to one Planet. Our Archangels, such as Michael, Gabriel, Chamuel, Raphael, Azrael, Haniel and Uriel are designated to planet Earth. Exceptions to this are Archangels which form the structure of the universe such as Cherubim, Seraphim and Dominions.
The greatest exception is Archangel Metatron, who is the overseer of all Archangels in all universe(s).
Archangel Metatron tells us there are 12 universes in the shape of a dodecahedron, wrapped around a central sun. There a 12 such dodecahedrons spinning around a Great Central Sun, which is the Creator; God, light, the one conscious energy. These 12 dodecahedrons of universes (144 universes) all have 144,000 different dimensions to each. Amazing!
On planet Earth, each Archangel is assigned a grid area to watch over. For example, Archangel Michael is based at Mount Chasta in Northern California. Archangel Gabriel is based over Canada. Archangel Azrael (The Angel of Death) is based over the Middle East.
Although the Christian Bible only mentions Michael and Gabriel, you will find that the Qur’an (Muslim religious manual of Islam) mentions Izril (Azrael) and Archangel Metatron, as does The Kabala.
Each Archangel has designated ‘duties’. For Example, Michael is responsible for the Solstice energy changes. Four times a year in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, we have seasonal changes. Michael, and his legions of angels, alter the energies on planet Earth, to protect us from the negative energies which appear in darkness, such as criminal activity and attacks on people.
A legion of angels is 72,000. Archangel Michael has 12 legions of angels at his disposal. The only other Archangel who has legions of angels, is Archangel Uriel, whose task it is, to look after the balance of the energies and eco-structure of planet Earth.
Each Archangel has specific talents to guide and help mankind. For example, Raphael helps and guides us with healing. Michael helps us with confidence, self-esteem and empowerment. Gabriel is the inspirer, who motivates us.
