Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14 or Apocalypse 12:7-12a / John 1:47-51
In the Bible, angels appear often. Angels are messengers from God and they even act to carry out God's will, be it protecting people, announcing to them a message or working out a miracle.
As much as angels appear often in the Bible, only three are named - Michael, Gabriel and Raphael - and they are given the title "archangels".
Michael in the Hebrew language means "Who is like unto God?" or "Who is equal to God?" St. Michael has been depicted from earliest Christian times as a commander, who holds in his right hand a spear with which he attacks Satan, and in his left hand a green palm branch to signify God's victory over evil. The Archangel Michael is especially considered to be the Guardian of the Orthodox Faith and a fighter against heresies.
Gabriel means "Man of God" or "Might of God." He is the herald of the mysteries of God, especially the Incarnation of God and all other mysteries related to it. He is depicted as holding a lantern in one hand and in the other hand, a mirror of green jasper. The mirror signifies the wisdom of God as a hidden mystery.
Raphael means "God's healing" or "God the Healer" (Tobit 3:17, 12:15). Raphael is depicted leading Tobit with his right hand, and holding a physician's alabaster jar in his left hand.
Each of these archangels performs a different mission in Scripture: Michael protects; Gabriel announces; Raphael guides and heals.
Through these archangels and also through the ministry of angels in general, God continues to be present to us to protect us, to guide us and heal us and to communicate with us.
We thank God for sending His love through these angels and archangels and may we continue to be pray to the archangels Sts. Michael, Gabriel and Raphael to help and guide us through the journey of life.