What is Michaelmas?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Michaelmas is a festival celebrated in Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, and other Western liturgical churches on September 29 each year. Also known as the “Feast of St. Michael and All Angels” or the “Feast of the Archangels,” it literally means “Michael’s mass.” The day honors the archangel Michael for casting Satan out of heaven. While other angels once had separate feast days, the 1962 Second Vatican Council unified them into a single observance of all archangels on Michaelmas.

Scripture describes Michael as a powerful angelic leader who acts under God’s authority. Daniel called him a chief prince who helps God’s people (Daniel 10:13, 21) and the great prince who guards Israel (Daniel 12:1). Jude referred to him as an archangel (Jude 9), and Revelation shows him leading heaven’s armies against Satan (Revelation 12:7–9). However, the Bible never sets a feast day for him or any other angel.

Worship belongs to God alone, and believers are warned against offering similar devotion to angels (Revelation 22:8–9). However, Paul taught that believers have freedom to celebrate religious festivals (Colossians 2:16–17; Romans 14:5–6). Therefore, although it is extra-biblical, believers may observe it as a reminder of God’s victory over Satan, as long as they are careful not to cross into the veneration of angels.

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.

UNDERSTAND

• Michaelmas, on September 29, honors Michael the archangel’s victory over Satan.
• The Bible never commands angel feasts—worship belongs only to God.
• Christians should focus on praising God, not angel veneration.

REFLECT

• How does knowing that worship belongs only to God shape the way you respond to things or people that inspire awe or reverence?
• When you think about Michael’s victory over Satan, how does it remind you of Christ’s ultimate triumph over evil?
• If you were to observe Michaelmas, how would you ensure that your focus remains on God’s power and not on angelic beings?

ENGAGE

• Why do some Christian traditions continue to celebrate festivals like Michaelmas even though the Bible does not command them?
• What can we learn from Michael’s obedience in carrying out God’s will against Satan?
• How can Christians honor spiritual realities like angels and divine protection while keeping worship centered on God alone?