Angels Through the Ages

Book excerpt: The only author already in print discussing the history of higher angels appears to be Mother Alexandra, an Orthodox nun who wrote The Holy Angels. This presentation also concentrates on those higher angels but also briefly reviews those lower less dramatic guardian angels. After studying angel apparitions in the Old Testament, the Christian era presents a dramatic increase in angel activities. Joining the older traditional Michael and Gabriel, we are introduced, at the Transfiguration, to Moses and Elijah, those two giants of Judaism These latter have, somewhere in time, become new archangels. On that Mount Tabor, Jesus also acquires archangel status, when the mighty spirit of David, the third giant, completes exactly one thousand years of penance, and is transfigured into this carpenter from Nazareth. Mary, the Mother of Angels in the Roman Catholic tradition, receives archangel status upon her death. Also emerging in that first Christian century is Satan, the Fallen Archangel. A serious consideration of Satan is vital, because each one of us must overcome Satan’s earthly temptations in order to reach the Promised Land. Thereafter, Mary and Jesus appear in angel form over the Christian centuries – sometimes together, more often alone - in their attempt to bring peace to a troubled world..