ANGELS – 1) 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).
A pure spirit without a body, created by God before man. They are represented as an innumerable multitude. Angels are independent of time, and space and change. Angels cannot be seen, though they are sometimes pictured as pretty, winged creatures. The wings given to angels are only symbols of the swiftness of their minds in comparison with human minds. Like men, angels have understanding and free will. Their intelligence is much higher than human intelligence. They have free will and can choose to be good or to be bad. Unlike man, an angel chooses only once, He never has a second chance. Some of the angels chose to love and obey God, and these are good angels. Heaven is their home. Among these angels are those appointed to help us here on earth (Guardian angels). Some of the angels chose to disobey God, they are known as bad angels or devils, they were cast into Hell. The angels who were cast into Hell did not lose their great power and knowledge, and that is why their power to tempt those who are in the world is so great.
Angels are mentioned frequently in the Bible. In the Old Testament an angel spoke to Abraham, telling him not to harm his son Isaac whom he was willing to sacrifice to God. In his sleep Jacob saw angels ascending and descending a ladder which reached from earth to Heaven. In the New Testament, it was the Archangel Gabriel who announced to the Virgin Mary that she was to become the Mother of God. A host of angels were seen and heard at the birth of Christ. Angels came to serve the Lord after His temptation in the desert. At His Resurrection an angel rolled away the stone from His grave.
By Church Rubrics every Monday in the year is dedicated to the angels.
2) ANGEL (an appellation or Title of Jesus) “The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” Gen 48:16
” Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared. Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him.” Exod 23:20-21
(Angel of his presence) “In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old” .Isa 63:9