St. Michael has been invoked by Christians for centuries as a defender of the people of God. His name is itself a battle cry: “Who is like God?”

In the book of Revelation, he is the great warrior who stands against the dragon. Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have continued to call upon him for protection and strength in the face of evil.

Pope Leo XIII famously composed this prayer to St. Michael after a profound experience of the reality of spiritual warfare:

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle.
Be our safeguard against the
wickedness and snares of the devil.
May God rebuke him, we humbly pray,
and do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly hosts,
cast into hell Satan, and all the evil spirits,
who prowl about the world, seeking the ruin of souls.
Amen

SYMBOLISM

Armour
His armour shows signs of battle, indicating that it is not merely ornamental. Michael stands as a warrior in the midst of a real spiritual conflict. The worn metal is a reminder of the seriousness of spiritual warfare. "Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil." (Eph 6)

Spear
The spear represents Michael's authority as the leader of the armies of Heaven. It is a weapon that pierces, which speaks of precision and purpose: evil is not overcome through brute force, but by the authority and power entrusted to him by God.

Wings
The wings symbolize the spiritual nature of this battle. The three colours are a nod to the symbolism of angel wings in Christian iconography and the many ways angels reflect various aspects of God's glory. While the traditions vary, I personally see the white as representing his purity and heavenly nature, red as the authority and power entrusted to him by God, and blue as his relationship to humanity in bringing comfort and peace.

Dragon
The dragon lying under Michael's feet represents Satan and the powers of Hell, defeated by God's power.

Face
Michael's face is turned towards Heaven, drawing our gaze beyond himself to the King who reigns victorious. His face is sober, even sorrowful, for he knows the cost of battle. Yet he looks to God with unwavering courage and peace, for he knows Whom he fights for, and by Whose power the victory is won.

Gold halo
The gold halo represents Michael's holiness as a servant of God. The luminous background surrounds him with the light of Heaven, drawing our eyes away from the darkness that threatens and upward toward the source of his strength. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it." (John 1:5)