© Aris Dervis 2002

Michael is the patron of the police force, bankers, grocers, radiologists, paratroopers, the dying and cemeteries, Brussels, Germany, Papua New Guinea and the Basques.

For many years Michael was the most popular name for boys. From Mickey Mouse to Mickey Mantle, from Mick Jagger to Michael Corleone, families paid tribute to the Archangel either knowingly or by following the fashion. Michael the Archangel gained popularity after he appeared on battlefields in Italy, France and England during the various world wars. Some even claim to have seen him piloting a plane during World War II. His job has always been to stamp out evil and to protect his followers. Since 9/11 sales of St. Michael medals have skyrocketed.

A traditional invocation for protection says:

Michael to the right of me, Michael to the left of me,

Michael above me, Michael below me,

Michael before me, Michael behind me,

Michael all around me.

Michael with your flaming sword of cobalt blue

Keep me safe today.