St Michael is an Archangel and the guardian angel of autumn. He also looks after the element of fire. He helps the farmers with their harvesting. He is the angel of courage and strength. He helps people to reap rich rewards for their labours earlier in the year and to celebrate their achievements.

He is often portrayed on churches and in paintings in his red clothing and killing the great dragon as we have heard in Revelations. His function also is to be the leader of the heavenly armies and drive rebel angels from heaven.

Michaelmass is held on September 29th and is a celebration around the equinox of our changing times, the end of the summer and the start of the autumn.

We held our service at All Saint’s Church Ashwicken on Saturday 30th September. It was a beautiful evening and we started the service outside at the West End as the sun was setting.

A time for reflection and a time to contemplate on St Michael, angels and heaven.

The sermon and prayers can also be seen on Faith Goes Walkabout.

Rev’d Sue Martin

Diocese of Norwich