The Kingdom
The Main Idea of the Lecture
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III presents a spiritual and educational explanation about angels and their nature and works, clarifying their role in the Kingdom of God, their place in the Holy Bible, and how their complete obedience to God represents a spiritual example for believers.
The Nature and Creation of Angels
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that angels are invisible spirits created by God to serve Him and carry out His will. They were created since the beginning of creation, and their number cannot be counted, as mentioned in the Holy Scriptures.
Angels are not one type but have many ranks and orders, such as Cherubim, Seraphim, Thrones, Principalities, and Powers.
Archangels
Among the angels there is a special rank called Archangels, including:
- Michael the Archangel, the general leader of the heavenly hosts.
- Gabriel, who carried divine announcements such as the announcement of the birth of John the Baptist and the Lord Christ.
- Raphael, whose name refers to God’s healing.
The Fall of Satan
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III explains that Satan was not created as a devil, but was an angel of a great rank who fell because of pride and disobedience when he wanted to become like God.
This fall drew with him a number of angels who became demons, and they still resist the Kingdom of God and attempt to mislead humanity.
Spiritual Qualities of Angels
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III emphasizes that the most important virtues of angels are:
- Complete obedience to God without argument or hesitation.
- Holiness and purity.
- Great power in carrying out God’s commands.
- Beauty and light, because they are described as angels of light.
The Work of Angels
Angels perform many works in God’s plan, including:
- Carrying out God’s commands in the universe.
- Continuous praise before the throne of God.
- Delivering God’s messages to people.
- Protecting and guiding believers.
- Carrying the prayers of the saints to God.
- Carrying the souls of the righteous to Paradise.
- Participating in the events of the Second Coming and judgment.
Angels in the Life of the Church
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III points out that the Coptic Orthodox Church honors angels in its prayers and rites, such as:
- Celebrating their feasts, especially the feast of Archangel Michael.
- Mentioning them in daily prayers and praises.
- Using icons and incense as an expression of honoring them.
- Asking for their intercessions and protection for believers.
The Spiritual Message
The life of angels calls us to learn complete obedience to the will of God, and to live in holiness and purity like them, so that our life on earth may reflect what happens in heaven where the will of God is carried out quickly and in full obedience.
