Angel Pictures from around the World
There is a church on the top of a hill overlooking the village of St Germain d'Confolens, Charente, France. Unfortunately the church is in a very sad state and renovations are needed badly, but there is such beauty inside, so it is a case of never judge a church by its facade. In this church there are two statues of Angels which have such a presence about them that the whole church has an aura of peace surrounding it. I feel just looking at the pictures makes one feel this peace and serenity.
The Angels of St Germain
The Prague Angel
This beautiful picture of a statue of an angel was taken at Easter Weekend (2003) in Prague. Not many tourist would have the pleasure of resting their eyes on her as she was situated inside a Police Station. It was like she was there to help you get over your trauma of having your personal possessions stolen, which was the reason we were in the Police Station. So if you don't want to see this beautiful angel, when in Prague steer clear of the number 22 Tram and keep a tight hold on your bags.
Four Archangels
These pictures are part of a collection of unique Pre-Raphaelite mosaics, adoring the walls of the Victorian church of St. John the Evangelist in Warminster, Wiltshire, England. They were created at the beginning of the 20thc. by London glass makers J. Powell of Whitefriars.
St Michael - Archangel Protector.
Michael means -
Who is as and in the likeness of
God.
He is the Leader of the Heavenly Host of Angels and our Protector. In art he is depicted as muscular, youthful, handsome and is usually suited in armour. The bible tells us that Michael defeated Satan and his angels in the war in Heaven, throwing then out of Heaven and down to earth. (Revelations 12:7-9). According to Judaic lore it was Michael who prevented Abraham from sacrificing his son Isaac. Michael is mentioned in legend as the Angel who appeared to Moses in the burning bush. The credit has been given to him for rescuing Daniel from the lions, and freeing the apostle Peter from prison. In the Koran the Cherubim are created from the tears of Michael who is called Mikhail in Islam. An idea found in Zoroastrianism and Greece that souls were escorted into the spiritual world, was adopted by the Christian Church in the middle ages and Michael was portrayed as doing this. It was hoped that because of this more non Christians would be attracted into the Church. In the Dead Sea Scrolls Michael is the Prince of Light battling against the sons of darkness. Michael is often portrayed slaying a dragon, which is a symbol of the darkness, so when you are feeling your life is a battle call upon Archangel Michael for help and with his army of light beings you will be able to slay your own dragons.
St Gabriel - Archangel Messenger
Gabriel
means - God is my Strength.
Gabriel is one of the two highest ranking angels in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. He is best known for bringing important announcements to humankind. He is first encountered in the Bible's Old Testament when he appears to Daniel (8:16) to explain a vision. He appears to Daniel a second time to announce the coming of the Messiah. In the New testament he announces the birth of John the Baptist to Zechariah (Luke 1:11-22) and the birth of Jesus to Mary (Luke1:26-33). In Islam Gabriel is called Jibril. It was Jibril who revealed the Koran to Muhammad. For this reason he is also called the faithful spirit, the faithful servant, and the bringer of good news. He is also the Guardian Angel of Muhammad. In ancient Judaic lore, Gabriel was thought to be a female, the only female to be listed in the archangel class. In the Book of Raziel, he is listed as an angel whose name can be found on charms worn by pregnant women for help in childbirth.
St Uriel - Archangel of Light.
Uriel
means - Light or Fire of God.
He guides us in our spiritual life. He is the guardian of earth. According to Judaic lore Uriel holds the keys to Hell and will do away with the gates of Hell on Judgement Day. Also it was Uriel who wrestled with Jacob at Peniel, and the Judaic lore says that as they wrestled, Jacob and Uriel became one. Uriel will help us as we wrestle with our human and spiritual natures and guide us along our spiritual path.
St Raphael - Archangel of Healing
Raphael
means - God Heals and Shining one who Heals
He brings harmony into our lives and is charged with healing humankind and the earth. It was Raphael who healed Abraham of the pain from being circumcised. He is said to have given Noah a medical book containing cures for diseases, which legend says was the Book of Razier. He is represented by the serpent which is a symbol of healing. Other symbols for him include a vial of balm and an arrow. Healing help is always on hand when we call on the love of Raphael.