 The Holy Archangel Michael Holy Scripture gives clear evidence that the angels are constantly involved in our world. Both through Scripture and Holy Tradition, the Orthodox Church knows the names of the seven leaders of the heavenly powers: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salathiel, Jegudiel and Barachiel (sometimes an eighth, Jeremiel, is added). "Michael" in Hebrew means "Who is like God?" The Archangel Michael was depicted in early Christian times as a leader, bearing a spear in his right hand with which he attacked Lucifer, and holding in his left hand a palm branch. The Archangel Michael is considered to be the guardian of the Orthodox faith. When Satan (Lucifer) fell away from the Lord, taking half the angels with him to hell, Archangel Michael arose and cried to the unfallen angels, "Let us give heed! Let us stand aright; let us stand with fear!" and the whole angelic army sang, "Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory!" These very same words are found in the Divine Liturgy, celebrated every week in the Orthodox Church. This icon is in a village church in Greece..
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