The Footprints of Michael the Archangel : The Formation and Diffusion of a Saintly Cult, C. 300-c. 800

Early Christians sought miracles from Michael the Archangel and this enigmatic ecumenical figure was the subject of hagiography, liturgical texts, and relics across Western Europe. Entering contemporary debates about angelology, this fascinating study explores the formation and diffusion of the cult of Saint Michael from c. 300-c.800. Saint Michael the Archangel was one of three angels mentioned by name in the Scripture; a figure in early Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions; and is the patron saint of ambulance drivers. This enigmatic ecumenical figure was the subject of hagiographies, liturgical texts, and relics from Italy across Western Europe during the eighth century, culminating in a cult following. Despite this following, Michael has been poorly served in Anglophone religious and historical studies. This book explores the formation and diffusion of the cultus from c. 400-c.800, isolating its emergence within the orthodox traditions of the Greek-speaking East, and then following its development within Latin Catholicism. The cult of Michael, far from being extraneous or marginal, proves crucial to the formation of orthodox doctrine Cover 1 Title 10 Copyright 11 Dedication 12 Contents 14 Acknowledgments 16 Abbreviations 18 1. The Problem with Michael 20 2. Michael, an Ecumenical Archangel 28 3. Michael the Archistrategos 55 4. The Politics of Angelic Sanctity 84 5. Michael Goes North 110 6. Michael Contained: The Carolingian Cultus 137 Conclusion 153 Notes 156 Bibliography 223 Index 264 Front Matter....Pages i-xviii The Problem with Michael....Pages 1-8 Michael, an Ecumenical Archangel....Pages 9-35 Michael the Archistrategos....Pages 37-65 The Politics of Angelic Sanctity....Pages 67-92 Michael Goes North....Pages 93-119 Michael Contained: The Carolingian Cultus ....Pages 121-136 Conclusion....Pages 137-139 Back Matter....Pages 141-274