Chapter 2: The Orthodox Doctrine of Angels

尼古拉前执事 · Post by **尼古拉前执事** » Wed 25 May 2005 8:50 pm

Reader Benjamin · Post by **Reader Benjamin** » Tue 31 May 2005 11:09 pm

I have believed in demons and angels, but have not known how to discern one from the other. I hope to learn more about how to discern between them. I have usually taken all accounts with a grain of salt and waited to see the fruits. Though it has been what I have read in books and I have not met anyone who has seen demons or angels, well now that I think of it, my ex-wife has seen demons passing by and sensed them. She is now going to a Protestant Church. Is this the fruit? Well she is the only one I have met that has seen demons.

So the Angels we see as best as we can with our earthly eyes or when our spiritual eyes have been opened.

Demons however appear in what ever way they want, though I guess those that have their spiritual eyes open see them as they are.

We must work at having our spiritual eyes opened.

romiosini · Post by **romiosini** » Thu 7 July 2005 9:12 pm

While knowing the unseen world does exist. Orthodox Christians should know that the goal for Angels is the glorify God every second of their existence, contrary to the demons, their goal is to condoemn man with them away from God. I remember reading the epistles of Saint Elder Joseph the Hesychast and Spiritual Father of my Spiritual Adviser Elder Ephraim, who has given the greatest advice regarding "divine visions" with Christ, Theotokos, or the Saints. He said that if we do see anything holy (Wether it is a reincarnation of the Devil trying to delude us) we should close our heads and turn away from seeing it, saying that we aren't worthy to see Them (the Diving and Holy People) this life but the next life in Eternal Blessedness.
By the intercessions of the Holy Archangels, and all the invinsible spiritual bodies of Heaven, Lord Jesus Christ have mercy on us and save us!