The Feast of All Saints 2016 - The Angelic Choirs

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As we began to say in yesterday’s lesson, the holy men of this most blessed city, according to the quality of their merits, shall be joined to the choirs of the heavenly spirits. Those who master (dominantur) in themselves all the vices and desires shall be brought into the order of the Dominations; those who, having received the virtues, surpass the merits of the elect, and are first (principantur) among the chosen brethren, shall receive the lot of the Principalities. Those who, ruling over themselves, and clinging always to the fear of God, are able to rule and judge others with a tranquil mind, are the thrones of the Creator. Those who are full of love for God and their neighbor have received their lot among the Cherubim. Those who, enkindled by the love of heavenly contemplation, are fed only by the love of eternity, are counted among the Seraphim. Therefore, brethren, let us so act here (on this earth) through virtuous deeds, that we may merit to be joined forever to the companies of the citizens of heaven.

Late 18th or early 19th century Russian icon,  made for the principle feast of the Angels, the “Synaxis of the Bodiless Powers”, celebrated on November 8th.