Orthodox Christian liturgics are full of angels: they are in our Scripture readings, our hymnody, our prayers, and even staring us in the face in our icons. This prevalence suggests their role is bigger than one of mere verbal or artistic decoration. And yet, although we may intuitively perceive some depth of meaning to the ubiquitous presence of angels, it can be difficult to say exactly what that significance is. On the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Bodiless Powers (eastern “Michaelmas”), we will look at some of the scriptural context and early Christian theology that can help us not only understand better why angels are so pervasive in church, but also gain perspective on the significance of the liturgy as such, and even get a clearer picture of theosis and other essential Orthodox teachings.

Rev. Dr. Gregory Wiebe is a deacon in the Orthodox Church of America. His book, Fallen Angels in the Theology of St Augustine was published by Oxford University Press in 2021. He serves the altar and leads the bible study at St Nicholas Orthodox Church, in Narol, MB, where he attends with his wife and three children. Deacon Gregory works as an academic administrator at Canadian Mennonite University.