All About Angels
However, most people think of angels as good, kind, and helpful and beings who offer us a friendly hand along our journey and comfort in times of trouble. They are sometimes even depicted in artwork as small, cuddly cherubs, that perform harmless mischiebous acts, much as a human child may do. They are akmost always shown dressed in robes of white cloth, with wings, and alos.
The word angel derives from old French angele and the old English engel - both of which mean messenger. Certainly, in the bible, angels act as Divine messengers between the physical and the spiritual realms. They bring messages from God, describing what He wishes to manifest on earth. In the biblical Old Testament, Daniel referred to angels by their names. His interaction with the angel called Gabriel is recorded in some detail.
Representations of angels can be found in sarchophagi and reliquaries. There is a famous example is a famous example of an angel in picture known as The Sacrifice of Isaac in the sarcophagus of Junius Bassus. Perhaps the earliest known depiction of an angel is in the catacomb of Priscilla, which was in existence since the third century. However, this angel does not have wings!
In 1930, an image of an angel with wings was discovered in Istanbul. The sarcophagus in which it was found dated from the time of Theodosius I. St. John Chrysostom tells us that the addition of wings to the angelic image symbolizes their sublime existence and the heights to which they can aspire.
The most famous of the angels is Angel Gabriel, who, in some texts is referred to as the leader of all the angels. He is classified as an archangel, which is high in the angelic hierarchy. Gabriel is mentioned several times in the bible and is also believed to be the one who delivered the Koran to the prophet Muhammad.
Another famous archangel is Raphael, the healer who helps those who are ailing. He is generally called upon to help with terminal illneses and grave wounds.
Barchiel is generally referred to as the Angel for the month of February. He is actually not an angel of love but is looked upon as the bringer of hope for mankind.
Archangel Michael on the other hand is often shown as a warrior, defending the heavens from demons. He wears a military cloak and carries sword.
Ahgel Metatron is very popular in the Jewish faith. He is mentioned in Merkabah and Kabbalist texts s and is considered to be of very high ank. He is also mentioned in the Talmud.
Angels have been mentioned countless times since those early days. In fact, they have become symbols of goodness, of peace and of hope.
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By Sylvia Richards
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