Christian Cyclopedia

(Heb. “hero, man, or champion of God”). Heavenly messenger sent to Daniel to interpret the vision of the ram and the he-goat (Dn 8) and to communicate the prophecy of the 70 weeks (Dn 9). Announced the birth of John the Bap. to Zacharias and to Mary and that of the Savior to Mary (Lk 1:11–37). Ordinarily spoken of as an archangel, his superior dignity being deduced both from the august nature of his messages and from the phrase “stand in the presence of God” (Lk 1:19). See also Angels, Good.