Orthodox priests Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick discuss angels, demons, and the Divine Council in the Orthodox tradition. Topics include divine scenes in art, biblical texts on angels, hierarchy of spiritual beings, roles of angels, and demons' influences on human life.
Angels serve specific roles in celestial hierarchy, from protecting thrones to overseeing natural elements.
Engaging with spiritual world requires caution to avoid negative consequences and embrace safe Orthodox practices.
Demons are fallen angels who rebelled against God, driving people to repentance as part of cosmic battle.
Archangels hold prominent positions in divine council, leading other angels and conveying divine messages.
Deep dives
Seraphim and Cherubim: Guardians of Thrones and Thrones of God
Seraphim are depicted as fiery, six-winged creatures, while Cherubim are described as having unique appearances as seen in Babylonian Sphinx, all surrounding God's throne. Their role includes protecting the thrones of kings and gods, exemplified in biblical imagery and ancient art such as the gates of Nineveh.
Thrones: Angelic Guardians of Mobility
Thrones are also referred to as wheels, symbolizing God's omnipresence and omniscience. They are associated with the divine throne's mobility, best depicted in Ezekiel's chariot vision. These angelic beings oversee the movement of heavenly bodies, winds, and various elements, portraying God's reign over creation.
Virtues: Spirits Presiding Over Material Elements
Virtues, also known as powers, are angels governing the material elements of creation such as the sun, moon, stars, and winds. They are tasked with supervising and beautifying these aspects of creation, reflecting God's creativity and omnipotence in maintaining order and balance within the natural world.
Powers and Principalities: Angelic Guardians Over Nations and Peoples
Powers and principalities are angelic beings assigned to preside over nations, regions, and peoples. Their role involves guiding, protecting, and restraining other spiritual powers while shepherding humanity towards divine governance and order. These angels maintain the balance and authority within God's created order.
Archangels: Chiefs Among Angelic Hosts
Archangels are considered chiefs among the angelic hosts, with seven commonly recognized archangels standing near God's throne. Chief among them include Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael, known for their influential roles in biblical accounts and religious traditions. Their titles signify their leadership positions in conveying divine messages and carrying significant responsibilities within the celestial hierarchy.
The Hierarchy of Angels and Demons
Archangels, angels, and demons each have specific roles in the celestial hierarchy, and demons are beings of chaos and destruction who rebelled against God. Contrary to popular belief, demons are not a different species from angels but are those who refused to fulfill their assigned roles. These rebellious spirits are used by God to afflict and ultimately drive people to repentance, indicating a hierarchy of beings in a cosmic battle of good versus evil.
Paranormal Experiences and Engaging with the Spiritual World
The podcast discusses the significance of engaging with the spiritual world, highlighting both positive and negative aspects. While paranormal experiences can include encounters with spirits and demons, opening oneself up to the spiritual realm outside of Christ can lead to harmful consequences. The Orthodox Church provides safe methods, such as prayer, fasting, and liturgical practices, to connect with the spiritual world in a constructive and beneficial manner, fostering a closer relationship with Christ and participation in God's grace.
Fr. Stephen De Young and Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick are back with their second episode focused on angels and demons in the Orthodox tradition, laying more critical groundwork for this program by talking about God's Divine Council, then looking at the various kinds of angels, and finishing up by talking about what demons are and why they’re still around.
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