One of the three archangels along with Gabriel and Raphael. He is also one of the seven angels who stand by the throne of God. The name Michael signifies 'Who is like to God?' and although he is always called 'the Archangel', the Greek Fathers and many others place him over all the angels - as Prince of the Seraphim. He has been especially honored and invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles, and he is believed to protect humans against evil. He is usually depicted in armor holding a sword and/or the scales of justice, sometimes killing a dragon. In Greece he is believed to be the patron of pilots and the airforce, while also being the one to lead the souls of the dead to heaven. Western tradition sees him as the patron saint of firefighters, paramedics, police officers, mariners & paratroopers among other things.