THE ANGELS IN THE EAST SYRIAN TRADITIONThere is no systematic exposition on angels in the ancient writings of the Syriac Churches, with the exceptionof Dionysius the Areopagite and Narsai’s homilies 5 and 6. However, one frequently finds allusions to them.The typical Syriac term for angel is malaka. St. Ephrem and the liturgy also use the term ira, “watcher,” toemphasize their vigilance. Let us briefly study the East Syrian angelology throughout the centuries.APHRAHAT (4th century), nicknamed “the Persian Sage,” must have been a person of influence in theChurch, as some of his letters (Demonstrations) are addressed “to the bishops and clergy.”In Demonstration 3 (on fasting), §§14–15 he teaches that the angels receive prayers in order to present them toGod. Gabriel did this for Daniel; he assisted Daniel in his fasting and helped the Jewish people so that the fruitsof their offerings and prayers would increase. But Jesus is greater than the angels (§16). Michael helped Danielagainst the Prince of Persia (Dn 9:20ff; 10:10ff); he came to strengthen and encourage Daniel. Gabriel broughtZechariah’s prayer to God (Lk 1:11,13), and also Mary’s, saying she had found favour with God (Lk 1:13,30).Concerning Michael, the prince of the sons of Israel, God said: “Behold, my angel shall go before you and shalldestroy the inhabitants of the land before you” (Ex 23:20). Michael was sent by God to stop Balaam’s donkey(Num 22:22), and to Joshua, to whom he said he was the commander of God’s armies (Josh 5:13f). Hedestroyed the walls of Jericho (6:20), defeated 31 kings (12:7ff), thousands of Ethiopians for Asa (2 Chr 14:12),and thousands of Assyrians (2 Kgs 19:35). He accompanied the Jews to Babylon, fought for them, and was withthem upon their return.In Demonstration 4, §8 (on prayer) he notes that God heard the prayer of King Asa (2 Chr 14:8) and sent anangel to defeat the enemy army. An angel helped King Hezekiah against an army of 185,000 men (2 Kgs19:19). In §15, Aphrahat remind...