Celebrating the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels (Michaelmas)

On September 29, the Church joyfully celebrates The Feast of St. Michael and All Angels, traditionally known as Michaelmas (pronounced MIK-uhl-mus), a shortened form of “Michael’s Mass.”

This is the day we set aside to honor St. Michael the Archangel, captain of the heavenly armies, and to celebrate the ministry of all the angels, those powerful, awe-inspiring creatures who serve God in both heaven and earth.

Why Do We Call Him “Saint” Michael?

The title saint might sound strange when applied to an angel, but it simply means “holy one”—someone set apart for God’s purposes. That includes not just human saints, but also angels, who continually worship God and carry out His will.

And while we usually associate “saints” with canonized humans, in Scripture, all of God's people are called saints, and the angels are counted among them.

Why Celebrate Angels?

In celebrating the angels, we’re joining the Church in thanking God for everything He created, including these mysterious and mighty beings.

Angels appear all throughout Scripture doing very real, very important work:

• Bringing messages from God (Gabriel to Mary)

• Guiding and protecting God’s people (Psalm 91)

• Warring against evil (Michael in Revelation)

• Enacting God’s judgments

• And always, worshiping God continually in the heavenly realm.

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What the Bible Really Says About Angels

Part of what makes angelic celebration feel unfamiliar is how deeply misunderstood they’ve become in popular culture.

Forget the chubby, winged babies floating on clouds, biblical angels are startling, mighty, and often fear-inducing.

Some look like men. Others are covered in eyes (Ezekiel 10:12). Some appear with blazing swords, while others move invisibly through the world. Nearly every time a human encounters one in Scripture, the first thing the angel says is: “Do not be afraid.”

Types of Angels in Scripture

Here’s a quick look at the different kinds of angels we encounter in the Bible:

Archangels

“Arch” means “chief” or “principal.”

• Michael is the only angel explicitly named an archangel (Jude 1:9, 1 Thess. 4:16).

• Gabriel is often assumed to be one due to his prominent roles.

  
  

Cherubim

• Seen guarding Eden (Genesis 3:24) and in Ezekiel’s visions.

• Associated with the presence and holiness of God.

  
  

Seraphim

• Described in Isaiah 6 with six wings.

• Constantly worshiping before God’s throne: “Holy, holy, holy…”

  
  

The Angel of the Lord

• A unique figure who sometimes appears to speak as God Himself.

• Scholars differ on whether this angel is a theophany (a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ) or a distinct angelic being.

  
  

Unnamed or Common Angels

• Often sent as messengers or helpers (e.g. Genesis 19, Luke 2).

• These are the “everyday angels” carrying out God’s work in the world.

  
  

Fallen Angels

• Those who rebelled with Satan.

• Cast out of heaven, now enemies of God and His people.

  
  

Why Do We Celebrate Holy Michael in Particular?

Of all the angels, Michael holds a special place in Scripture and in Church tradition.

• He is the captain of the heavenly host, leading the angels in battle against the forces of evil.

• He is the one who cast Lucifer and his followers out of heaven.

• He is credited with intervening in key moments: stopping Abraham from sacrificing Isaac, contending for the body of Moses (Jude 1:9), and ultimately defeating the dragon (Satan) in Revelation 12:7–9.

  
  

Michael is the ultimate defender, of heaven, of God’s people, and of truth.

Ways to Celebrate the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels

As always, there are so many simple, meaningful ways to mark this feast in your home. Here are a few favorite traditions, drawn from centuries of Christian practice across the world:

Seasonal Foods: Carrots & Blackberries

• In the British Isles, blackberries and carrots are in season for Michaelmas.

• A charming Irish legend says that when Lucifer fell, he landed in a blackberry bush and cursed it, making blackberries sour after September 29.

• So enjoy them while you can, try my Blackberry Hand Pie recipe this week!

  
  

Roast Chicken (or Goose!)

• In medieval Europe, roast goose was the traditional Michaelmas meal.

If goose is hard to find, a Perfect Roast Chicken makes a delicious and fitting substitute.

Want more ways to bring Michaelmas to life in your home? In the next post, I’ll share two more fun and festive recipes perfect for this heavenly feast!

The Recipe -

Blackberry Handpies.pdf

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Blackberry Hand Pies

Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• Pinch of salt

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, cut into small pieces and cold

• 3/4 cup sour cream

• Egg wash (1 egg and 1 teaspoon water)

• Granulated sugar

  
  

Filling

• 3 cups of blackberries

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3/4 cup granulated sugar

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

  
  

To prepare the dough

1. Blend the flour, granulated sugar, and salt in a food processor.

2. Add the butter and pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.

3. Add sour cream and pulse until the dough starts to form a ball.

4. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and press into a rectangle.

5. Divide the dough in half, wrap each in plastic, and refrigerate for at least an hour.

   
   

To prepare the filling

1. Combine the blackberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, and vanilla in a medium saucepan.

2. Cook over medium heat until they start to break down slightly.

3. Cook until the blackberries are tender and have released their juices, about 5 minutes.

   
   

Whisk together the sugar and cornstarch in a small bowl, then add to the blackberries.

To assemble the hand pies

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

When you are ready to prepare the hand pies, roll one of the chilled doughs out on a floured surface. As you are rolling, you can straighten out the edges with your hands to create a 10 x 15-inch rectangle.

Using a pastry wheel, cut the dough into 12 equal squares by cutting 4 strips along the length and 3 strips along the short side.

Put about 2 tablespoons filling in each center of half the squares.

Lightly brush the edges of the filled squares with egg wash.

Cover with the remaining squares.

Press the dough together then use a fork to gently adhere the hand pies around the edges.

Cut a cross on each top.

Brush with egg wash and sprinkle with granulated sugar. Repeat the process with the remaining dough and filling.

Transfer to the prepared baking sheets.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden brown. If baking both baking sheets at once, rotate top to bottom after 15 minutes.

Let’s Get Ready Together!

Michaelmas is a rich feast, steeped in Scripture, tradition, and timeless meaning. It reminds us that we are not alone. Heaven is active, present, and full of holy beings who war against evil, deliver God’s messages, and join in the eternal worship around His throne.

As you prepare to mark this feast with your family, through simple traditions, beautiful meals, and meaningful Scripture, I’m so excited to walk with you. We don’t have to reinvent the wheel; the liturgical calendar already gives us everything we need to mark time with meaning.

Be sure to follow along this week as I share recipes, activities, and tutorials to help you celebrate The Feast of St. Michael and All Angels in your home.

St. Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle!