ANGELS IN ORTHODOXY

St. Michael, the Archangel

Definitions Glossary of Orthodox Terminology
ANGELS - Bodiless powers created before the creation of the physical universe. The English word "angel" comes from the Greek word for "messenger." Throughout the Scripture, angels are messengers who carry the Word of God to earth (e.g. Gabriel's visit to Mary, Luke 1:26-38). The Orthodox Church teaches that there are nine "choirs" or groups of angels: Angels, Archangels, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Dominions, Thrones, Cherubim, and Seraphim (see Gen. 3:24; Is. 6:2; Eph. 1:21; Col. 1:16; 1 Thess. 4:16; 1 Pet. 3:22).

Angels (Gr. Angelos, "messenger") Bodiless beings, purely spirits, created by God before man. They are superior in nature and intelligence to man; and, like man, they have understanding and free will. Some of them are appointed to guard the faithful (guardian angels). Angels are grouped in nine orders (tagmata) as follows: Angels; Archangels; Principalities; Powers; Virtues; Dominations; Thrones; Cherubim; Seraphim. In the Orthodox worship, every Monday is dedicated to the angels.
Exapteryga (Gr. "six-winged angels")
Metallic banners adorned with representations of angels carried at various processions of church services.Orthodox Teaching on the Holy AngelsHoly AngelsThe nine orders of the angels are divided into three heirarchies, each of which is divided into three orders: the highest, the intermediate, the lower.


The Church's Teaching on Angels

Angels in the Bible
THE ESSENCE OF GOD NEVER APPEARED IN ITSELF. DIVINE APPEARANCES TO THE FATHERS WROUGHT BY THE MINISTRY OF ANGELS.
Angel occurances in the Bible
Cherubim occurances in the Bible
Seraphim occurances in the Bible
Archangel occurances in the Bible




Writings of the Early Church Fathers
Gleanings from Orthodox Christian Authors and the Holy Fathers
Against the Arians St. Athanasius argues that the name 'angel' is sometimes applied to the uncreated Logos and sometimes to a created angel.

Hierarchy of Angels
The Nature of Angels - Their Hierarchy and Ministrations
Orthotracts - Angels

Angels in the Church
Synaxis of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel and All the Bodiless Powers


Divine Liturgy
Heavenly Worship - Fr. Richard Bellew Heavenly Worship - Jewish Roots of Angels and the Liturgy
Worship begins in heaven
The Promoskmide - Preparation
The Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom  
The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great
The Divine Liturgy of St. James

Cherubic Hymn. (Gr. "the song of the angels"). Liturgical hymn sung after the Gospel-reading and during the Great Entrance. Its text in English is as follows: We, who mystically represent the Cherubim, And chant the thrice-holy hymn to the Life-giving Trinity, Let us set aside the cares of life That we may receive the King of all, Who comes invisibly escorted by the Divine Hosts.Entrance. (Gr. Eisodos). The solemn procession of the celebrating clergy carrying the Gospel at the liturgy, after the antiphons (Small Entrance), and carrying the Holy Gifts during the chanting of the cherubic hymn (Great Entrance). Orarion. (Lat.) One of the deacon's vestments, made of a long band of brocade and worn over the left shoulder and under the right arm. It signifies the wings of the angels.

Icons of the Church
Russian Icons
Orthodox Icons
Icon Gallery
Orthodox Icons from "Come and See"
Orthotracts "Are Icons Worshiped as Idols?"


Guardian Angels
Guardian Angel. (Gr. Phylakas Angelos). The Orthodox believe that certain angels are appointed by God at baptism to guide and protect each faithful. A prayer of the Orthodox Liturgy asks for "an angel of Peace, a faithful guide and guardian of our soul and bodies."
"An Angel of peace, a faithful guide and guardian of our souls and bodies let us ask of the Lord," we pray during services. The Orthodox Church believes every child receives from God a Guardian Angel. The Lord Jesus Christ said: "See that you do not despise one of these little ones; for I tell you, their angels in heaven always behold the face of My Father in heaven" (Matthew 18:10).
Angels and the Fall
"There occurred a war in the heavens. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought against them. However they did not prevail, and there was no room for them in heaven. The great dragon was cast down, that ancient snake, known as devil and satan ... and his angels were also cast down with him" (Revelation 12:7-9).
Angels Today
The Angels' Sphere of  Action in Relation to Man
For Additional Information
Tserkovnost Eastern Orthodox Search Engine
The Holy Bible, King James Version Old and New Testaments, with the Apocrypha