In the Christian hierarchy of angels, archangels, or archangels, are widely considered to be the highest level of angels who interact directly with humans. The concept of this class was first proposed in the 5th or 6th century by Polynesus the False in his work "The Hierarchy of the Celestials". However, the Bible uses the term "archangel" only in a few places and does not describe the hierarchy of angels in detail. This makes people wonder: why can archangels be regarded as such an important role?
The word archangel comes from the Greek archángelos, and the prefix "arch-" means "chief".
In the Jewish and Islamic traditions, Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael are all recognized as archangels. In most branches of Christianity, these three angels are the most revered. Raphael is mentioned in the Book of Dobit and is recognized in some churches such as Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican and Orthodox. Each year on September 29th, Catholic and Lutheran churches celebrate these archangels, while in Orthodox Christianity their names are celebrated on November 8th.
Gabriel is a messenger of God who often appears in many mysterious events, especially the announcement of the birth of God.
The role of archangels is not limited to Christianity. In Islam, Gabriel (Jibrīl) is considered the angel who delivers divine revelation to all prophets, and he is given a very important position in the Qur'an. In addition, Michael and Raphael also have great significance in Islam, being associated with mercy and salvation respectively. The multiplicity of archangel beings seems to emphasize their importance in different faiths.
In Jewish literature, especially in the Book of Enoch, there is also mention of another angel - Metatron. Although in some branches this angel is not officially recognized as an Archangel, he is known as the "Supreme Messenger." With the integration of various cultures and beliefs, the understanding of archangels is also different. Some branches believe that the number of archangels can be as high as seven to eight, and the specific candidates vary according to different sources.
In the Kaibala tradition, there are twelve archangels, each of whom is assigned specific attributes.
Over time, views of archangels have become increasingly diverse across religions. In Christian tradition, archangels are often depicted as characters with warrior qualities, especially Michael, who is often heavily armed and sworn to defend the faith. Raphael and Gabriel mainly play the role of protecting and delivering divine revelations, and are depicted as images with medical symbols and light. These depictions are not only expressions of faith, but also reflect believers' deep expectations and faith expectations for the role of angels.
In some fables and cultures, the existence of archangels is closely associated with the struggle between good and evil, and they are seen as intermediaries between gods and humans. In the continuation of religious traditions, one can see the worship and reverence of archangels, thus making them symbols of guiding mankind toward good. This is not only a response to faith, but also a culture’s pursuit of justice and light.
For those seeking meaning and guidance, archangels may be a bridge between reality and mystery.
In addition, many magical and mystical traditions outside of the religious realm subtly incorporate archangels into their practices. In certain rituals, especially those based on the Kaibala, the names of archangels are played in the hope of receiving protection and spiritual guidance. This scene closely combines ancestral beliefs with modern rituals, demonstrating mankind's continuous exploration of spirituality. The fusion of these forms not only enhances the image of the archangels, but also reinforces their importance as a source of faith and spiritual support.
To sum up, archangels play multiple roles at the same time. They not only have a profound foundation in religious beliefs, but also leave a deep imprint in culture and social life. This dual nature unexpectedly leads us to reflect on whether the identity of the Archangels reflects the evolving relationship between humans and God.