Guido Reni's painting . St. Peter's in Rome.

This is a subject that deserves more attention and recognition than it gets, and I intend to post more thoughts on  this area of interest.

The topic of Spiritual Warfare doesn’t come up much in mainstream conversation. Indeed, any faith related talk or references to Christian beliefs seems to be accepted only as fiction or legend.  Secular society stares down her pointy nose at any mention of the possibility of another realm of life alive and well, in a place called Heaven. The proposition then, of daring to utter a word about Spiritual warfare is sure not to be  received in ‘polite’ conversation with any kind of acknowledgement or nod of appreciation.

However, Spiritual warfare continues to this day, with satan eager to call us from our duty to God through enticing means, lies and deception in order to win souls for himself in hell.

Here is the story of how satan was defeated and why:

After the creation of the heavens and earth, there was a battle in heaven.  Lucifer, the “light-bearer”, the “morning star”, who was the chief among angels, rebelled against God.  Because of Lucifer’s envy, pride, and desire to sit upon God’s throne, he did not want to be subject to God or to serve Him.  He took a third of the angels into revolt with him.  Michael however, was loyal to God, and declared he would serve God, for “who is like unto God” (“Michael”).  With the other two-thirds of the angels he defeated Lucifer and cast him and his supporters out of heaven.  Lucifer now became called Satan (“adversary”) and those angels who supported him became devils.  As a reward for his loyalty Michael was made the chief angel.  Due to this leadership role the Church named theArchangela Saint, and the Eastern Liturgy assigned him the title of the “Archistrategos” (“highest general”).

Feastday: September 29
Patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers, police, and sickness
The name Michael signifies “Who is like to God?” and was the war cry of the good angels in the battle fought in heaven against satan  and his followers. Holy Scripture describes St. Michael as “one of the chief princes,” and leader of the forces of Heaven in their triumph over the powers of hell. He has been especially honoured and invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles.

Although he is always called “the Archangel,” the Greek Fathers and many others place him over all the angels – as Prince of the Seraphim.

St. Michael is the patron of grocers, mariners, paratroopers, police and sickness.