Are they rational beings that exist independently, even though they do not have a physical body?

They are not mere abstract energies, but each angel has its own independent personality, an identity independent of the rest of the angels. Each angel has its own free will to make its own decisions that distinguish it from other heavenly beings.

• a. The angel is a rational being , and because it is not clothed in a dense body, it has superior knowledge and understanding beyond humans. This does not mean that its knowledge is absolute — it is somewhat limited according to it capabilities and its merit as a gift from God to it.

• b. Angels can communicate with rational beings, as when the angel spoke to the two women at the tomb (Matt. 28:5).

• c. Angels possess motives of love and joy . Angels shouted for joy to the Creator (Job 38:7). The Seraphim worshiped in fear and trembling and praised God (Isa. 6:3). They also rejoice over a sinner who has repented (Luke 15:10).

• d. Angels have free will and can choose between obedience or disobedience to God. It was said that Lucifer, who was of the greatest angelic ranks, fell because he held onto his own opinion and will (Isa. 14:11–15).

• e. Luminous beings : Good angels are angels of light in comparison to the forces of darkness (2 Cor. 11:14; Eph. 6:12). When an angel appeared to Peter in prison, he caused light to shine in the cell (Acts 12:7).

• f. They work collectively : It was said: “And it was once that he brought his sons to appear before the Lord” (Job 1:6; 2:1). And they welcomed the creation of the world with a collective shout as God says, “Where were you when I laid the foundations of

656 St. Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on the Gospel of St. John, Volume 1 2.1 (LFHCC 43:166; PG 73:224).

657 St. Macarius the Great, Fifty Spiritual Homilies of St. Macarius the Egyptian , trans., A. J. Mason (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 1921) 7.7: p. 64.

the earth? Tell Me … when the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy” (Job 38:7).

• g. Angels do not have genders , but usually if they appear to humans, they take the form of humans (Gen. 18:2, 22; 19:1; Dan. 10:18) with great beauty and cannot even be recognized to be angels. (Gen. 18:2; 19:5)

• h. Immortality: Angels are like the human soul in being immortal (Luke 20:36).