Hebrew [Mikha''el] "Who is like God?" or  "Who resembles God?"

Forms: Misha, Mishaka, Mishanya, Mishara, Mishata, Mishuka, Mishulya, Mishunya, Mishura, Mishuta, Minya, Minyasha, Mishka, Mishak, Meshak, Mishelli, Mishutka, Minka, Mishenka, Mishechka, Mihas, Miha, Mihaylushka, Mihanya, Mihasya, Mihaylo.

Name-days:

January 24 - Rev. Michael Klopsky, Novgorod (Rus).
February 27 - pious Prince Michael of Chernigov (Rus) (relics).
March 23 - Michael martyr of Thessalonica.
March 27 - the pious Great Prince Rostislav-Michael.  (Russ.).
April 29 - Michael Vurliot martyr.
May 15 - Equal Apostles and pious King Boris of Holy Baptism Michael (Bolg.).
June 3 May) - pious Prince Michael Murom (Russ.).
June 5 - Reverend Michael the Confessor, Bishop and Martyr Sinadsky Michael, monk.
June 28 - St. Michael, first Metropolitan of Kiev, the Wonderworker of All Russia (Rus).
July 12 - Martyr Michael, gardener, Athens.
July 16 - Blessed Michael Solvychegodsk.
July 17 - St. Michael, Archbishop of Athens.
July 25 - Rev. Michael Maleip.
August 11 - Martyr Michael.
September 19 - the Archangel Michael (remembrance of the miracle that was in Chonae).
October 3 - The pious Prince Michael of Chernigov (Russ.).
October 13 - St. Michael, first Metropolitan of Kiev, the Wonderworker of All Russia (Rus).
October 14 - Martyr Michael, abbot Zoviysky.
October 15 - Martyr Michael Kazan (Rus).
November 21 - the Archangel Michael (cathedral).
December 5 - pious Prince Michael of Tver (Rus) and just Michael, the warrior (Bolg.).
Dec. 31 - Rev. Michael confessor.

The Archangel Michael is one of only three angels that are named in the Bible (the others being Gabriel and Lucifer, the original name of Satan / The Devil). We are told that he is 'one of the chief princes', 'the great prince', 'a mighty warrior' and 'leader of other angels'. He is God's enforcer of law and judgement and is the only angel specifically called an archangel in the Bible .

The name Michael means 'Who is like God?' (notice the question mark). Michael appears to have a special role in guarding the nation of Israel and the Jewish people. In Jewish tradition, Michael is the author of Psalm 85, which is a sad poem about the suffering of the nation of Israel. He has also been associated with the 'man' who spoke to Joshua at the battle of Jericho .

In his role as chief warrior angel, it could well Michael's voice that announces the return of Jesus to earth .

It is thought that is was Michael who fought with, and threw out the Devil/Satan/Lucifer from Heaven (when the Satan revolted against God and tried to take God's place) and that Michael became the 'top angel' in the Satan's place.

He is often depicted wearing medieval armour, ready for battle - very appropriate for his warrior role!

In the Catholic tradition, Michael is said to have appeared to Mary (Jesus' mother) to tell her that she would die soon and that he carried her deceased body into heaven.

In Islam, Michael is known as Mikail and the Koran says that he sheds tears over the sins of the faithful and these tears become the angels known as the Cherubim.