Saints & the Theotokos
63 writings in Saints & the Theotokos. Clear
Saints & the Theotokos
Who are the angels in Orthodox teaching?
Angels are created, spiritual beings with intelligence and free will who worship God and serve His purposes in creation. They’re not cute cherubs or metaphors.…
Saints & the Theotokos
What are the ranks of angels?
The Orthodox Church teaches that angels exist in nine distinct orders, arranged in three groups of three. This isn’t speculation. It comes from Scripture and…
Saints & the Theotokos
Who is the Archangel Michael?
The Archangel Michael is the chief commander of all the angels, the defender of God’s people, and the leader of the heavenly hosts who cast…
Saints & the Theotokos
Who is the Archangel Gabriel?
Gabriel is one of the holy archangels, a pure spirit who serves God as his messenger. His name means “Strength of God” or “Man of…
Saints & the Theotokos
Do Orthodox believe in guardian angels?
Yes. The Orthodox Church teaches that each baptized Christian receives a guardian angel, a personal heavenly minister assigned by God to pray for us, protect…
Saints & the Theotokos
How do I pray to my guardian angel?
You can talk to your guardian angel directly, asking for protection and intercession, using simple prayers from the Church or your own words. The Orthodox…
Saints & the Theotokos
What is the Platytera icon?
The Platytera is an icon of the Theotokos shown with her hands raised in prayer and the Christ Child depicted on her chest, usually within…
Saints & the Theotokos
What is an Orans icon?
An Orans icon shows someone standing in prayer with their arms raised. That’s it in simplest terms. The word comes from Latin ( orans means…
Saints & the Theotokos
What is an Hodegetria icon?
An Hodegetria icon shows the Theotokos holding the Christ Child on her left arm while pointing to Him with her right hand. The name comes…
Saints & the Theotokos
What is an Eleousa (tenderness) icon?
An Eleousa icon shows the Mother of God and Christ Child cheek to cheek. It’s called the “Virgin of Tenderness” because that’s exactly what you…
Saints & the Theotokos
What are the different types of Theotokos icons?
Orthodox iconography of the Mother of God falls into several main types: the Hodegetria (She Who Shows the Way), the Eleusa (Tenderness), the Orans (Praying),…
Saints & the Theotokos
What are Marian icons?
Marian icons are painted images of the Virgin Mary that Orthodox Christians venerate in worship and prayer. They’re not decorations. They’re windows into heaven, making…
