His Holiness Pope Shenouda explains that angels are spirits and a consuming fire, created of light, possessing great beauty, righteousness and holiness, and a lightness of movement that allows them to move from heaven to earth in moments to carry out God’s commands immediately upon hearing the word.

The Power of Angels and Their Impact

He clarifies that angels have power far beyond human capacity, citing biblical incidents (such as the striking of Egyptian firstborn, an angel striking Jerusalem, the striking of Sennacherib’s army, and the striking of Herod) as indicators of angels’ capacity to act either judgmentally or protectively according to God’s will.

Angels’ Roles with Humans

He explains that angels have multiple roles: praising God (like the seraphim), serving and executing God’s orders, rescuing from afflictions (like delivering Jacob, closing the lions’ mouths for Daniel, and freeing Peter from prison), guarding people as guardians, guiding the way as in Abraham’s servant’s story, and announcing good news as Gabriel did to the Virgin and Zechariah.

Angels and People’s Prayers

He explains that angels carry human prayers to God — like incense ascending with the prayers of the saints — and therefore we ask in our prayers that God surround us with His holy angels so that we be preserved and guided by His will.

Intercession and Church Symbols

He states that angels have intercession in the church, are mentioned in prayers, have icons placed, and lights are used as symbols of angels; there is also a hymn and request for their intercession in the Divine Liturgy, yet people rarely ask for their intercession outside the church.

Angels in the Last Things and Eternal Life

He points to the angels’ role in gathering and sorting at the day of judgment, carrying the righteous souls to Abraham’s bosom or paradise, and that the eternal destiny of believers will be in the heavenly Jerusalem with the angels and the righteous.

Human Relationship with Angels and the Call to Imitate

The Father calls to seek friendship with angels and to resemble them in righteousness, holiness, and immediate obedience to God, noting that some people were called “angels” in service to churches or monks who became “earthly angels.”

Liturgical Examples and Commemoration of Angels

He mentions there are commemorations and celebrations for Archangel Michael (such as the monthly day in the Abtí month — according to the text) and customs of remembrance and thanksgiving for his help and miracles, and that the church symbolizes angels in rites, lights, and closing prayers.

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