One of my ministries in Dubuque is serving on the board of Dubuque’s ecumenical conversations, the Children of Abraham.
The goal of these conversations is to build an atmosphere of civic life that builds inter-religious solidarity, cooperation, and friendship.
I believe, in an ever-growing pluralistic American society, this is very important. I don’t believe we have to agree with other’s beliefs – in fact I believe that Orthodox Christianity preaches the fullness of the gospel message – but I believe we should learn to respect other’s beliefs, and learn to live with them in friendship.
At any rate, tonight is the first conversation of the 2015-16 season, and the topic is, “Angels, Demons, and Jinn.” (For the location, time, and full schedule click here.)
As a means of preparation for myself, I’m going to jot down a few notes about angels from the Orthodox Christian’s perspective below.
ANGELS WERE CREATED BY GOD
When I think of angels, I tend to think of God and heaven as well, and it seems that angels are eternal beings.
However, this isn’t the case. Even though they aren’t specifically mentioned in the creation narratives, they too are created beings.
The first part of our creed states,
I believe in one God, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth and of all things visible and invisible.
The earth is part of the “visible,” while the angles are a part of the “invisible” creation.
St. Paul also says the same,
“Christ is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of all creation; for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities–all things were created through him and for him.” (Colossians 1:15-16 RSV)
THE NATURE OF ANGELS IS DIFFERENT THAN OURS
The name “angel” is a Greek word that means, “messenger.”
By nature they are considered perfect spirits, which are fleshless, and immortal (but only by the will and grace of God).
By nature they are pure energy, and light, but their ministry is to reflect the grandeur and glory of God.
They are “heralds of God’s will, guides of men, and servants of their salvation.”[1]
And St. Paul says,
“But to what angel has he ever said, “Sit at my right hand, till I make thy enemies a stool for thy feet”? Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?” (Hebrews 1:13-14 RSV)
In other words, angels exist to praise God and help us as we strive for salvation!
THERE ARE MANY RANKS OF ANGELS
You may have heard of archangels, or cherubim, but did you know that there’s actually 9 ranks of angels?
You’ve probably heard the priest mention these ranks in the Divine Liturgy.
In full, those ranks, along with their task/attribute, are:
- Seraphim – faith
- Cherubim – wisdom
- Thrones – knowledge
- Dominions – benevolence
- Authorities – virtue
- Powers – forcefulness
- Principalities – leadership
- Archangels – guidance
- Michael – protector
- Gabriel – herald of “Good News”
- Raphael – healer
- Uriel – prayer, enlightener
- Selaphiel – petitioner
- Ugodiel – glorifier
- Barachiel – encourager
- Jeremiel – leader
- Angels – protection
It’s not necessary to memorize all of this, but it is comforting to know that the angels are always working to help us grow closer to Christ.
P.S. THOUGH THE ANGELS ARE ANGELIC, MAN IS THE CROWN OF CREATION
It may seem that the angels are some sort of supreme being, but it’s humans who are created in the image of God.
As humans, we bridge the gap between visible and invisible. Our visible part is, obviously, our bodies. Our invisible part is our souls. Created by God, we called to unite these two worlds and reflect the invisible God into the visible world.
As you know, humanity failed to perfectly reflect God’s kingdom into the world. However, through Christ, this is fully accomplished allowing the created world – and us – to find redemption and salvation.
The angels were created for adoration (singing the “holy, holy, holy”), and for intercession. Now, with their help, we find salvation in Christ.
Come this Sunday to St Elias (10:30 am, 2001 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA) and participate with the angels as they glorify God and intercede for us (or find the nearest Orthodox Church to you here).
[1] Protopresbyter Michael Pomazansky, “Orthodox Dogmatic Theology” (St. Herman of Alaska Brotherhood, 2005), pg. 122.