Guardian Angels

Guardian AngelGuardian Angel

The Angel of Peace by Wilhem von Kaulbach

From the classification of the angelic hosts by the early theologians, and the special duties assigned to each class, we learn that the word angels, as ordinarily used, refers to archangels and angels only; these two classes are associated with human life in all its phases . . . . . . → Read More: Guardian Angels

Seven Holy Angels

Seven Holy Angels - 1

Angel Pictures

There have been many curious conceits introduced into some of the early religious pictures, and two instances in which little seraphim and angels are perched on trees, near the Virgin and Holy Child. The idea seems to be that these “Birds of God” — as Dante calls the angels — are making music and singing for the Divine Infant, some of them also praying for his solace. . . . → Read More: Seven Holy Angels

Archangel Raphael: Part 2

This entry is part 2 of 2 in the series Archangel Raphael

Archangel Raphael 1

Santa Eufemia, Verona – Interior

Raphael is frequently represented without wings when leading Tobias, who — in order to emphasize the contrast between an angel and a mortal — is made very small, and is thus manifestly out of keeping with the story. When the wings appear there is no reason for dwarfing Tobias, and the picture is far more satisfactory. It is not difficult to discern that if the story of Tobias is considered as an allegory, the young man personates the Christian, guided and guarded through life by God’s mercy. . . . → Read More: Archangel Raphael: Part 2

Archangel Raphael: Part 1

This entry is part 1 of 2 in the series Archangel Raphael

Archangel Raphael 3Archangel Raphael

The Archangel Raphael is esteemed as the guardian angel of the human race. He especially protects the young and innocent, and guards pilgrims and travelers from harm. It was he who warned Adam of the danger of sin, and declared to him its dread consequences. . . . → Read More: Archangel Raphael: Part 1

Archangels: Part 2

This entry is part 2 of 2 in the series Archangels

Apse Mosaic, San Vitale, Ravenna (Flickr) / CC BY-NC 3.0

The earliest instance of the Archangels introduced by name into a work of art is in the old church of San Michele at Ravenna (A. D. 545). The mosaic in the apse exhibits Christ in the centre, bearing in one hand the cross as a trophy or sceptre, and in the other an open book on which are the words, “Qui cidef me videt et Patrem meum” [John xiv. 9]. On each side stand Michael and Gabriel, with vast wings and long scepters; their names are inscribed above, but without the Sanctus and without the Glory. It appears, therefore, that at this time, the middle of the sixth century, the title of Saint, though in use, had not been given to the Archangels. . . . → Read More: Archangels: Part 2

Archangels: Part 1

This entry is part 1 of 2 in the series Archangels

Archangels -1 Archangels

The Seven Who in God’s presence, nearest to His throne, Stand ready at command. — Milton.

There are several angels who in artistic representations have assumed an individual form and character. These belong to the order of Archangels, placed by Dionysius in the third Hierarchy: they take rank between the Princedoms and the Angels and partake of the nature of both. Like the Princedoms, they have Powers; and, like the Angels, they are Ministers and Messengers. Frequent allusion is made in Scripture to the seven Angels who stand in the presence of God. (Rev. viii. 2, xv. 1, xvi. 1, etc.; Tobit xxii. 15.) This was in accordance with the popular creed of the Jews, who not only acknowledged the supremacy of the Seven Spirits, but assigned to them distinct vocations and distinct appellations, each terminating with the syllable El, which signifies God. . . . → Read More: Archangels: Part 1

Bible Angels: Part 4

This entry is part 4 of 4 in the series Bible Angels

Bible Angels - 4Michael the Archangel

The Supernatural in the Angelic World Supernatural Vocation of the Angels I. Holy Scripture hints that all the angels were called to the vision of God, when it represents the good angels as actually seeing His Face, and only excludes the fallen ones of from that privilege. Such is also the common tradition embodied in the opinion that man was called to fill the places left vacant by the fallen angels. . . . → Read More: Bible Angels: Part 4

Bible Angels: Part 3

This entry is part 3 of 4 in the series Bible Angels

Bible Angels - 3Cherub Pictures

Number and Hierarchy of the Angels Number of the Angels I. We are certain, from Revelation. that the number of Angels is exceedingly great, forming an army worthy ot the greatness of God. This army of the King of heaven is mention in Deut. xxx. 2; then in the vision of Daniel (vii. 10), and in many other places. How Many Kinds? II. If the Angels can be numbered, there must exist between them at least personal differences; that is to say, each angel has his own personality. But whether they are all of the same kind, like man, or constitute several kinds, or are each of a different kind or species, is a question upon which Theologians differ. . . . → Read More: Bible Angels: Part 3

Bible Angels: Part 2

This entry is part 2 of 4 in the series Bible Angels

Bible Angels - 2Drawings of Angels

Attributes of the Angels—Incorruptibility and 
Relation to Space The attributes of the Angels, like the nature of their substance, are to be determined by a comparison with the attributes of God on the one hand, and with the attributes of man on the other. As creatures, the Angels partake of the imperfections of man; as pure spirits, they partake of the perfections of God. . . . → Read More: Bible Angels: Part 2

Bible Angels: Part 1

This entry is part 1 of 4 in the series Bible Angels

Bible Angels - 1Angel Drawings

The Nature, Existence, and Origin of the Angels Terminology I. The name “ Angel”—that is, messenger or envoy—designates an office rather than a nature, and this office is not peculiar to the beings usually called Angels. Holy Scripture, however, and the Church have appropriated this name to them, because it represents them as standing between God and the rest of the universe, above man and nearer to God on account of their spiritual nature, and taking a share in the government of this world, although absolutely dependent on God. . . . → Read More: Bible Angels: Part 1