An Archangel at its most basic definition is a high ranking angel. The predominant religions of Christian, Judaism and Islam all recognize some form of archangel and it is generally accepted that there were four archangels. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael are recognized by both Hebrew and Christian faiths as Archangels, though Michael is the only Archangel mention by name in the Bible. Gabriel and Raphael are subjects within the Book of Tobit and the Book of Luke, respectively - religious writings held in high regard within the Catholic faith, but less so for Protestants. Uriel is also considered a Christian Archangel, mentioned in the book of Enoch, but in the Islamic faith the fourth Archangel is Azrael.

These faiths all recognize the concept of an archangel, but more emhasis is given to the Archangel in the teachings of Judaism and in particular the Roman Catholic Church. Judaism and Catholicism both recognize eight archangels, though Michael, Gabriel, Raphael and Uriel are considered the four cardinal Archangels. Protestants recognize Michael as an Archangel of significance, but do not put emphasis on the others. While angels appeared in the Bible as early as Genesis in the Old Testament, their visibility and presence increased significantly in the New Testament. Artists of the Renaissance period favored the Archangel as subjects creating Archangel statues and paintings in abundance. This likely has contributed to their popularity and enduring importance over the past several centuries.

Archangel Michael

Michael was regarded as the Chief of the Order of Virtues, Prince of the Presence, Chief of Archangels, the Angel of Repentance, Righteousness, Mercy, and Sanctification. He is also Ruler of the 4th Heaven and Conqueror of Satan. In Revelations (20:1), it is Michael who descends from Heaven with a "key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain." In this passage, it is Archangel Michael who leads an Army of Angels to seize the devil who appears in the form of a dragon and bind him for a thousand years. Michael is described as the Prince of Light in the Dead Sea Scrolls as one of the "Sons of Light" who will battle the "Sons of Darkness." The Book of Daniel foretells of Michael's return when the world is once again in trouble to lift the world from darkness.

Much of the persona of the Archangel Michael evolved through medieval Christianity and interpretations of the Book of Enoch. He is also referred to as Saint Michael or the Archangel Saint Michael. As the Commander of the Army of God, Michael is the patron saint of the warrior and law enforcement, held in high regard by paratroopers and fighter pilots.

Archangel Gabriel

Gabriel is the Angel of annunciation, resurrection, mercy, vengeance, death and revelation. The Archangel Gabriel first appears in the book of Daniel at the time when the Jews were exiled by Nebuchadnezzar II to Babylon. He appears in human form to help Daniel understand the meaning of the visions he is experiencing. In the Gospel of Luke, the Archangel Gabriel serves as the messenger of God and announces to Mary that she will give birth to a son of God whom she will call Jesus, a moment captured frequently in paintings as the Annunciation.

While Gabriel is often seen holding a horn which he will blow to announce the start of the End of Days and again to initiate the Resurrection, this is not told in any version of the Bible. The trumpet as a tool of the Archangel is first seen in an Armenian text from the mid 1400s. Gabriel's Horn first appears in English language text in Milton's epic poem Paradise Lost from 1667. The horn has become closely associated with Gabriel and is now part of the modern identity.


Archangel Raphael

Raphael can be found in the Book of Tobit, a religious writing recognized by the Catholic and Orthodox Christian churches but not in the Hebrew Bible. The Archangel Raphael is considered the angel or "god" of healing. In the Book of Tobit, he is sent by God to heal Tobit of his blindness and act as Tobias protector in human form during his travels to recover money his father had hidden. Raphael is one of the six Angels of Repentance, Angel of Prayer, Love, Joy and Light. Catholic teachings venerate him as Saint Michael, the patron saint of the medical field and travellers.


Archangel Uriel

Uriel is described as the protector of the Gate of Eden and the angel who watches over thunder and terror. He is a lesser Archangel found mostly in Apocalyptic literature holding a fiery sword and the keys to the gates of Hell. Though not mentioned in the Bible, he is the Archangel most often considered the "fourth" to represent the four cardinal points along with Michael, Gabriel and Raphael.

Urield holds the titles Angel of Presence, Angel of the Face, Prince of Presence, Angel of Glory and Angel of Sanctification. Along with Suriel, Jehol, Zagagel, Akatriel, Metatron, Yefefiah, Satanel, Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Nathanel - Uriel is allowed to enter the presence of God. Uriel is frequently depicted holding a scroll representing wisdom and viewed as the patron angel of the Arts.