*Cm. e.g. Gen. 22, 10-12; 32, 1, 2; Nav. 5, 13-15; Court. 6, 11, 12; 1 Kings. 19, 5-7; 2 Kings. 1, 3; 1 Part 21, 16; Dan. 3, 49, 50.

Angels Serve Man

God commanded that the higher powers should serve the one who dwells on earth (man) - because of the dignity of the image with which man is clothed.St. John Chrysostom (39, 908).

It is miraculous that the visible light, by the command of God, was created for us, but it is even more miraculous that the holy Angels also serve our salvation. "The angel of the Lord encamps around them that fear him" (Psalm 33:8). "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to minister to those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14). The Old Testament is filled with it, but there is also much such service in the New Testament. The Angel proclaims to the Most Holy Virgin the Son of God, Who cometh into the world and is born of Her in the flesh (Luke 1:26-38). An angel appears to Joseph, Her betrothed (Matt. 1:20; 2:13 and 19). An angel appears to Zechariah and announces the conception of the Forerunner (Luke 1:8-13). The angel proclaims to the shepherds the Nativity of Christ, the Saviour of the world (Luke 2:9-11). Angels sit on the tomb of the Risen Christ and preach the Resurrection to women (Luke 24:4-6). Angels appear to the Apostles at the Ascension of the Lord and announce to them the Second Coming of Christ (Acts 1:10-11). An angel leads Peter out of prison (Acts 12:7-9). The angel says to Philip: "Arise and walk" (Acts 8:26). An angel appears to Cornelius the centurion (Acts 10:1-6). Church history tells the same story. "A guardian angel is given to every faithful person and always sees the face of the Heavenly Father," writes Basil the Great. These holy and blessed spirits contribute to our salvation, so that we may diligently serve them and our Lord and thus be saved. St. Tikhon of Zadonsk (104:5-6).

*Cm. See also Acts. 12, 5-11.

These Minds (Angels) each accepted one part of the universe, or were assigned to one part of the world, as was known to the One who arranged and distributed all things. And all of them have one purpose – by the wave of the Creator of all, they sing the glory of God, behold the eternal glory, and moreover eternally... St. Gregory the Theologian (13:50).

They (the Angels) guard parts of the earth, rule peoples and places, as they were appointed by the Creator. St. John of Damascus (113, 130).

Angels are present everywhere, and especially in the house of God they stand before the King, and everything is filled with these bodiless powers. St. John Chrysostom (46, 142).

I am sure that a special Angel protects each Church, as John teaches me in the Apocalypse (1:20). St. Ambrose of Milan (113, 130).

Abba Leontius, rector of the coenobium of our holy father Theodosius, told us: "One Sunday I came to church to commune of the Holy Mysteries. Entering the church, I saw an angel standing on the right side of the altar. Struck with horror, I withdrew to my cell. And a voice came to me, saying, Ever since this throne was consecrated, I have been commanded to be with it. Blessed John Moschos (75:9).

All the Angels have both one name and, of course, a common nature to all: but some of them are appointed to rule over the nations, while others are to be the companions of each of the faithful. But to the extent that a whole nation is preferable to one person, to the same extent, without a doubt, the dignity of the Angel of the ruler of the people is higher than the dignity of the Angel who is entrusted with the care of one person. St. Basil the Great (113, 130).

Guardian Angel

For the protection of God's flock, the Lord not only ordained bishops, but also appointed angels. St. Ambrose of Milan (113, 130).

(The angelic powers) descend with wings, not because this incorporeal force has wings, but as a sign that they descend from the highest regions, leaving the heavenly abodes. St. John Chrysostom (40, 425).