Archangel Banners
Around the Feast of Michael and All Angels, which occurs on 29 September and is also known as Michaelmas, the Nave is brightened by the addition of four Archangel Banners. These dramatic and stately portraits were created by Ruth Meredith in circa 1985. They envision St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, and St. Uriel. Angels are very special to Christian believers. We give thanks for the ways they watch over us, and through them we see how God’s creation far exceeds our mortal understanding.
The following images are collograph monoprints by Ruth Meredith.
Archangel Michael
The name Michael means One who is as God. This angel is mentioned in the Bible and is considered the chief of the archangels and the captain of the heavenly hosts.
Archangel Uriel
The name Uriel means God is my Light. In this depiction, Uriel is the angel of the Last Judgement who will escort the dead to be judged. He is also known as the angel whose flaming sword prevents Adam and Eve from returning to the Garden of Eden.
Archangel Raphael
The name Raphael means God has healed. Raphael appears in the apocryphal Book of Tobit where he acts as a guide to Tobit, protects him from a demon on his marriage night and heals his father’s sight.
Archangel Gabriel
The name Gabriel means God is my Strength. This angel is mentioned in the Bible and known as the angel of the Annunciation.