Angels – Said in Alexandria

1. The nature of angels and degrees of beings

His Holiness Pope Shenouda explains that God created various types of beings: inanimate matter without life, living beings with souls that die, humans who have immortal spirits, and finally angels—spirits that do not die and have no connection to matter. Angels are characterized by supreme beauty and purity, as it was said of Stephen that his face was like the face of an angel.

2. The fall of some angels and the steadfastness of others

The angels underwent a test as humans did; some fell and became demons, while those who remained steadfast in righteousness were crowned and never fall again, unlike man who still has the opportunity for repentance.

3. Angels in our prayers and praises

In daily prayer, we praise with the angels saying, “Glory to God in the highest,” and ask the Lord to surround us with His holy angels so that we may be protected and guided.

4. Types of angels and their service

His Holiness explains that there are two main kinds of angels:

• Angels of praise, who continually glorify God as in Isaiah 6,

• Angels of service, sent by God to serve those who are to inherit salvation (Hebrews 1:14).
  Even the praising angels serve, as seen when the seraph purified Isaiah’s lips.

5. Their obedience and swiftness

Angels perfectly obey God, carrying out His commands instantly, moving from heaven to earth in a moment — an example of the perfect obedience we ask for when we pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

6. Their great strength and countless number

Their number cannot be counted: “Thousands upon thousands stand before You, and ten thousand times ten thousand offer service.” They have great power, as one angel destroyed Sennacherib’s army and struck Egypt’s firstborn.

7. Their ministry to humans

Angels are sent for guidance (such as to Cornelius, Philip, and John), for rescue (as with Lot), and for annunciation (like Gabriel to the Virgin Mary and Zechariah). They rejoice over a sinner who repents and grieve when someone falls into sin, sharing God’s joy in repentance.

8. Angels in death and resurrection

Angels carry the souls of the righteous to Abraham’s bosom, as with Lazarus, and accompany saints to heaven as seen by Saint Anthony. At the end of the world, they will gather God’s chosen ones from the four corners of the earth.

9. Angels and the Church

Angels participate in the Divine Liturgy, as the priest prays after Mass: “O angel of this sacrifice ascending to the heights.” The church lights symbolize angels and heavenly stars. The Bible also calls the pastors of churches “angels of the churches,” and John the Baptist was called “the angel who prepares the way before the Lord.”

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