“At that time Michael, the great prince, the protector of your people, shall arise.”
Book of Daniel 12:1
If you’ve ever wondered why our church is called St Michael and All Angels, you’re not alone. Many churches are named after people who have inspired Christians throughout history. St Michael is rather unusual because he is not a human saint at all. He is an angel, one of the heavenly messengers who appear throughout the Bible as servants of God.
In Christian tradition, Michael is known as an Archangel, which simply means a chief or leading angel. He appears in several books of the Bible and is often portrayed as a defender of good, standing firm against evil and remaining faithful to God.
His name means “Who is like God?” a reminder that nothing and no one can take the place of God, whose love, goodness and power are beyond compare. Christians have long looked to St Michael as a symbol of courage, faithfulness and hope in difficult times.
If you see images of St Michael in church art, he is often shown carrying a sword or standing over a dragon. These images come from a vision found in the Book of Revelation, the final book of the Bible, in which Michael is described leading the heavenly hosts in a struggle against evil. Over the centuries, artists have used this imagery to represent the triumph of good over evil, light over darkness, and hope over despair.
For Christians today, these images are not really about battles and weapons. They remind us that courage, kindness, truth and faithfulness matter, even when life is difficult.
Why Is Our Church Named After Him?
Across Britain and Europe, many churches have been dedicated to St Michael for centuries. For Christians, Michael came to symbolise God’s protection and the call to remain faithful, whatever challenges life may bring. Churches dedicated to St Michael often became places where communities gathered to seek God’s help, give thanks for blessings, and find strength during uncertain times.
Here in Cosheston, generations of people have worshipped under the patronage of St Michael and All Angels. Long before any of us were born, local families came to this church to celebrate baptisms and weddings, to offer prayers in times of need, and to gather for worship week by week. Today, our church continues that same tradition of welcome, prayer and community.
And Who Are “All Angels”?
The second part of our name is just as important. Christians believe that God is constantly at work in ways both seen and unseen. Throughout the Bible, angels appear as messengers bringing hope, guidance, encouragement and reassurance to God’s people. Whether or not we fully understand them, angels remind Christians that God’s care extends far beyond what we can see, and that we are never beyond His love and attention.
What Does St Michael Mean for Us Today?
You do not need to know a great deal about angels to belong at St Michael and All Angels. What matters most is what Michael represents. He reminds us to be courageous when life is difficult, faithful when the way ahead seems uncertain, and hopeful when the world feels troubled. Above all, he points us towards God, whose love is stronger than fear and whose light shines even in the darkest places.
That is the faith which has been shared in this church for generations, and which we continue to share today.
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you.”
Isaiah 41:10
For more information you are warmly invited to get in touch.
Parish of St Michael and All Angels 