Michael is the greatest of all the archangels, the commander of the heavenly hosts who stands before the throne of God. He is the warrior prince who defeated Satan and cast him from heaven. In Ethiopian tradition, Michael is the protector of the faithful, the defender of the Church, and the one who weighs souls at the final judgment. His name itself is a battle cry: "Who is like God?" — a declaration that no created being can rival the Creator.

Gabriel is the messenger of God, the bearer of good news and divine revelation. He announced the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah and proclaimed the Incarnation to the Virgin Mary, saying "Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you." Gabriel stands on the left hand of God and is entrusted with delivering the most sacred messages in salvation history. He is invoked by those seeking clarity, understanding, and the grace to receive God's will.

Raphael is the angel of healing, the guide of travelers, and the protector of the innocent. In the Book of Tobit, he accompanied young Tobias on his journey, healing his father's blindness and delivering Sarah from demonic oppression. Raphael stands before the glory of the Lord, offering up the prayers of the saints. He is invoked for physical healing, safe journeys, and deliverance from illness. Ethiopian mothers especially honor him as protector during childbirth.

Uriel is the archangel of wisdom, light, and divine knowledge. He is the keeper of celestial mysteries and the illuminator of minds darkened by ignorance. Ethiopian tradition holds that Uriel led the Holy Family to Egypt, fleeing Herod's massacre. After the crucifixion, he poured Christ's blood over the earth, sanctifying creation. Uriel guards the gates of Eden with a flaming sword and is the angel of repentance, enlightenment, and prophecy.

Raguel is the archangel of justice, harmony, and divine order. He oversees the good behavior of the other angels and ensures fairness among them. Raguel hunts and punishes Satan and his demons, maintaining cosmic balance and righteousness. He controls the movements of the sun, moon, and stars, ensuring the regularity of creation. Ethiopian tradition honors him on the first day of each month as the enforcer of divine justice and the guardian of celestial order.

Phanuel (also called Fanuel or Peniel) is the archangel of repentance and hope. He is set over all who repent and inherit eternal life. Ethiopian tradition teaches that Phanuel fed the Virgin Mary heavenly food when she lived in the Temple as a young girl. He continues to sustain hermits, monks, and ascetics who fast and pray in desolate places. Phanuel guards the presence of God and leads souls back from the brink of despair to the mercy of the Lord.

Sariel (also called Suriel or Saraqael) is the archangel appointed over the spirits of those who sin. He watches over the souls who transgress and guides them to repentance. In Ethiopian tradition, Sariel is given dominion over clouds, seas, rivers, and oceans — controlling the waters of the earth and protecting humanity from floods and drowning. He is invoked by sailors, fishermen, and those who fear the power of the deep.