Feast of the Archangels 2026: Date, Meaning, Michaelmas, and Bible References

Feast of the Archangels 2026: Date, Meaning, Michaelmas, and Bible References

The Feast of the Archangels falls on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Also known by its traditional name, Michaelmas, this Catholic feast day honors Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the three holy angels named in Scripture whom the Church honors as archangels. The Church celebrates them as God’s heavenly messengers and protectors whose missions point entirely to the glory and mercy of the Lord.

Three-panel biblical image showing Gabriel at the Annunciation to Mary, Michael defeating Satan, and Raphael walking with Tobias.
The Archangels Gabriel, Michael, and Raphael serving God: Gabriel announces Christ’s birth to Mary, Michael defeats Satan, and Raphael guides Tobias.

When Is the Feast of the Archangels in 2026?

The Feast of Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael is celebrated on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. September 29 is a fixed date in the Roman Catholic calendar. This means the feast is observed on the same date every year, while the day of the week changes.

Feast of the Archangels 2026 at a Glance

Detail 2026 Information
Date Tuesday, September 29, 2026
Liturgical Rank Feast
Who Is Honored Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael
Traditional Name Michaelmas
Calendar Type Fixed annual feast (always September 29)
Holy Day of Obligation No
Liturgical Color White

What Is Michaelmas and Why Is It Celebrated?

Michaelmas is the traditional English name for the feast day on September 29. The name comes from "Michael’s Mass" because the day was historically dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel.

The Meaning of the Name Michaelmas

In earlier Church calendars, Gabriel and Raphael were celebrated on separate days. Today, the Catholic Church unites all three named archangels on this single feast day. While the traditional name Michaelmas remains common, the liturgy gives equal honor to Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael.

Three Servants of God’s Saving Plan

The Church honors the archangels because they serve God and assist in His work of salvation. The holy angels are pure spiritual creatures who serve and worship God. They do not possess divine powers of their own, and they never act independently of God’s will.

By celebrating the archangels, Christians give thanks for the different ways God cares for His people:

  • Michael reveals God’s protection against evil.
  • Gabriel announces God’s saving promises.
  • Raphael brings God’s healing, guidance, and peace.

Where Are Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael in the Bible?

Each of the three archangels appears in different biblical books, carrying out important missions from the Lord. In every story, their actions lead people to trust and worship God alone.

Saint Michael the Defender

The Bible presents Saint Michael as a mighty warrior who defends God’s people against spiritual enemies.

  • In the Old Testament Book of Daniel, Michael is described as a great prince who protects God's people in times of trouble (Daniel 10:13, 21; 12:1).
  • In the New Testament, the Letter of Jude (Jude 1:9) calls him "the archangel" as he opposes the devil.
  • In Revelation 12:7–9, Michael and his angels fight against Satan and cast the dragon out of heaven. The passage presents this battle as part of God’s victory over evil.

Saint Gabriel the Messenger

Gabriel is the trusted messenger who delivers major announcements in salvation history.

  • In the Book of Daniel, Gabriel helps the prophet understand visions of the future (Daniel 8:16–26; 9:20–27).
  • In the Gospel of Luke, Gabriel announces the upcoming birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah (Luke 1:11–20).
  • Six months later, Gabriel appears to the Virgin Mary in Nazareth to announce that she will give birth to Jesus, the Savior of the world (Luke 1:26–38).

Saint Raphael the Healer

Raphael appears in the Old Testament Book of Tobit. Disguised as a human traveler, Raphael guides young Tobias on a dangerous journey, protects him from harm, and helps free Sarah from a tormenting demon.

Later, Raphael uses fish gall to heal Tobit’s blindness. When his mission is finished, he reveals his true identity as one of the seven angels who stand before the glorious throne of God (Tobit 12:15).

What Is an Archangel and How Many Are Named in Scripture?

In Catholic tradition, an archangel is an angel entrusted by God with an important mission. While the Bible mentions different kinds of heavenly beings, it focuses primarily on their faithful service to God.

How Many Archangels Are in the Bible?

Sacred Scripture gives the personal names Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael to three holy angels. Jude 9 is the only New Testament verse that explicitly calls Michael “the archangel.” Catholic tradition also honors Gabriel and Raphael as archangels because of their exceptional missions in salvation history.

The Books of Tobit and Revelation both state that seven angels stand in God's presence (Tobit 12:15; Revelation 8:2). However, the Church cautions against using extra names for angels found in unofficial writings, choosing to honor only the three names revealed in canonical Scripture.

Why Is Raphael in Catholic Bibles but Not Some Protestant Bibles?

Raphael's story appears in the Book of Tobit. Tobit is one of seven Old Testament books included in the Catholic Bible.

During the Protestant Reformation, Martin Luther’s 1534 German Bible placed books such as Tobit in a separate section called the Apocrypha rather than within the Old Testament canon. Many later Protestant Bible editions eventually omitted these books altogether.

Can Christians Pray to Archangels for Protection?

Catholics often ask holy angels for their help and prayers, but this practice is always centered on Jesus Christ.

Worship vs. Asking for Intercession

Catholic teaching makes a strict distinction between worship and prayer:

  • Worship belongs to God alone: Catholics adore the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Scripture strictly forbids worshiping angels (Revelation 19:10; 22:8–9).
  • Asking for help: Asking an archangel for protection is like asking a trusted friend to pray for you. The angel acts as a servant through whom God delivers help.

Angels cannot grant forgiveness, create miracles on their own, or answer prayers without God. Every grace comes from God alone.

The Meaning of the Saint Michael Prayer

Many Catholics pray the Saint Michael Prayer, written by Pope Leo XIII in 1886, asking Saint Michael to defend believers in the spiritual battle against evil.

The prayer does not ask Michael to act by his own strength; it specifically asks him to defend believers “by the power of God.” It reminds Christians that spiritual victories are won by turning to Christ and relying on God’s strength.

How Is the Feast Celebrated in the Catholic Church?

The Feast of the Archangels is celebrated through the sacred liturgy, family traditions, and personal prayer.

Holy Mass and Scripture Readings

The celebration centers on the Mass. Priests wear white vestments, which symbolize heavenly light, purity, and joy. The readings for September 29 focus on the majesty of God and the role of angels:

  • First Reading: Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14 or Revelation 12:7–12ab (God's heavenly throne or Michael defeating the dragon).
  • Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1–5 ("In the sight of the angels I will sing your praises, Lord").
  • Gospel: John 1:47–51 (Jesus promising that believers will see heaven opened and the angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man).

Traditional Michaelmas Customs

In parts of Europe, Michaelmas became associated with the end of the harvest season, special meals, and community celebrations.

Today, families often observe the day by reciting the Saint Michael Prayer together, reading the biblical passages about the three archangels, and thanking God for His daily protection.

In Summary

The Feast of the Archangels on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, is a joyful celebration of God’s love, protection, and power. Through Saints Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, the Bible shows that God constantly watches over His people.

By honoring the archangels, Christians ultimately glorify the Lord who created them and directs all things toward the salvation of the world.

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