What is Michaelmas?

from the old testament

• Michaelmas, meaning “Michael’s mass,” is a later church festival that celebrates when he cast Satan from heaven, an event most clearly mentioned in the New Testament. However, the Old Testament does talk about Michael. Daniel recorded that in the future, Michael, “shall arise …, the great prince who has charge of your people” (Daniel 12:1). Earlier, he depicts Michael assisting in spiritual conflict and standing with Gabriel (Daniel 10:13, 21). These scenes show Michael as an angelic protector serving under God’s authority.
• While these references highlight Michael’s significance, they also emphasize that worship belongs solely to God. Every feast commanded by Him focuses on His saving acts and faithfulness (Exodus 23:14–17; Leviticus 23). Israel was instructed to direct all worship to the LORD alone (Exodus 20:3–5), and angels are described as His servants who do His will (Psalm 103:20). God never assigned a feast or memorial day for any angel. Therefore, festivals like Michaelmas come from later church tradition, not from Scripture.

from the new testament

• The apostolic writings identify Michael as an archangel. Jude wrote, “But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, ‘The Lord rebuke you’” (Jude 9). This shows that while Michael has great authority, he recognizes its limits and leaves judgment to God alone.
• The celebration of Michaelmas began as a reminder of Michael’s role in casting Satan out of heaven. While it's likely that this event is in the future, we read, “Now war arose in heaven, Michael and his angels fighting against the dragon. And the dragon and his angels fought back, but he was defeated, and there was no longer any place for them in heaven. And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world—he was thrown down to the earth, and his angels were thrown down with him” (Revelation 12:7–9). The very next verse states, “Now the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers has been thrown down, who accuses them day and night before our God” (Revelation 12:10). This indicates that God and the Lamb (Jesus) are credited with throwing Satan down, although Michael was the one who carried it out. Michael’s role, then, was that of a faithful servant executing God’s judgment against Satan.
• In addition to crediting God with the outcome of the angelic battle, the New Testament clearly affirms worship as belonging only to Him. Later in the same book, John fell before an angel to honor him. The angel responded, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship God” (Revelation 22:9). Therefore, angels are never to be worshiped, neither directly nor indirectly.
• What, then, about Michaelmas? Since it is an extra-biblical festival, observing it is optional. Paul warned against worshiping angels (Colossians 2:18). Still, he considered special days a matter of Christian liberty (Colossians 2:16). Therefore, as long as one does not cross the line by praying to or worshiping an angel in any sense, Michaelmas can be celebrated. If someone does, it should be to follow the example of those in heaven, praising God and His Lamb for the victory.

implications for today

Remember that Michaelmas is a church tradition, not a biblically commanded holiday. Some communities mark the day with cultural traditions such as blackberry desserts, seasonal breads, or a “blue mass” honoring police and military personnel. These customs may be harmless, but the Bible clearly states that prayer and worship belong to God alone, not to angels. For a Christian conscience, the question is whether the day points to thanking God for His protection and Christ’s victory over Satan, or to revering angels themselves. If it’s the latter, then you should not celebrate it. If it’s the former, you are free to do so while understanding that not all Christians agree that it’s a spiritually harmless holiday or will celebrate it with you.

If you do participate, let the focus be on the gospel: praise the Father for sending His Son, rejoice that Jesus defeated the devil at the cross, and ask God for strength to stand firm in the daily fight against evil. Conversely, if you abstain from it, do so with the same God-centered purpose and charity toward others who choose differently.