St Michael and All Angels 		September 29
Michael is one of only three angels mentioned by name in the Bible. Furthermore, Michael is mentioned only three times in the Old Testament (in Daniel), and twice in the New Testament (in Jude and Revelation). Nevertheless, Michael became one of the most popular of angelic figures, and is closely associated with ideas of triumph and vindication of the saints of God. There are many churches dedicated to St Michael and All Angels. The name “Michael” means “Who is like God?”
The development of the figure of Michael is part of the development of angelology in Judaism towards the end of the Old Testament period. In Daniel, Michael appears as the protector of Israel. Michael’s role was greatly enhanced in the later Jewish and early Christian writings that were not included in the Bible. There in particular Michael appears as the vindicator of Israel and leader of the triumphant armies of God - a trait that is reflected in Revelation 12:7ff., where Michael and the angels vanquish the dragon.
Michael is also depicted in the non-canonical literature as the recording angel, and as the angel who carries the souls of the righteous into paradise. This was a theme that figures in the medieval requiem mass. An aspect of this function probably lies behind the reference in Jude 9 to the dispute between Michael and the devil over the body of Moses. 
For Liturgical Use
Michael is one of the three angels named in the Bible (the others are Gabriel and Raphael). In popular, late Jewish and early Christian devotion Michael became identified as the heavenly champion who would lead the hosts of heaven in triumph and vindicate the saints of God. There are numerous churches dedicated to St Michael and All Angels.
Sentence, Prayers and Readings as in A New Zealand Prayer Book - He Karakia Mihinare o Aotearoa, page 665-666