Remaining in Church 'for the angels'

[Nina]

Mother Gavrilia

In church we should always sit in the same place. For the angels.

After the Liturgy, we should sit in church as long as we can. For the angels.

Can someone, please, explain why does Mother Gavrilia say these? What are the reasons for adopting this behavior? Why does Mother Gavrilia say 'For the angels'? Is it because of harmony/order and reverence for the Mystery that just took place in Liturgy? I can not figure this out. Please help. Thank you!

[Marie-Duquette]

Dear Nina,

Christ is Risen!

In which context does Mother Gavrilla say these words? That could possibly clarify her meaning.

Peace!

marie_duquette

[Nina]

Dear Nina,

Christ is Risen!

In which context does Mother Gavrilla say these words? That could possibly clarify her meaning.

Peace!

marie_duquette

Truly He is Risen!

Dear Marie,

You are so right! The context might help. I will contact the owner of the site, where I read the quotes, to find out more. Unfortunately, I do not have the book. Maybe someone here did read the book...? Thank you!

[Mary]

Yes, I too wonder why/how it is that the things we do or don't do affect the angels. At the beginning of this year, when I was starting to think about head coverings, the verse that surprised me the most was 1 Cor 11:10 -
For this reason, and because of the angels, the woman ought to have a sign of authority on her head.

Why do the angels care whether my head is covered or not? None of them seemed to be interested in giving me an answer, but I really like angels, so I figured, if it mattered to them, then I'd go ahead and wear it for them. Maybe someday, I'll know why.

Those words of Mother Gavrilia, sound very much like that verse in 1 Corinthians! As for sitting in the same place in church, I sort of do that naturally, wherever I go, I have a corner that I prefer above others and I feel very uncomfortable moving to a new place. Also, I like to linger in church after the service is over, because... well, I'm not really sure. I think it's because I don't like to leave.

In Christ,

Mary.

[Kris]

Why do the angels care whether my head is covered or not? None of them seemed to be interested in giving me an answer, but I really like angels, so I figured, if it mattered to them, then I'd go ahead and wear it for them. Maybe someday, I'll know why.

According to St. Paulinus of Nola, these are fallen angels - not the likeable kind:
"Let them realise why Paul ordered their heads to be clothed with a more abundant covering; it is because of the angel, that is, the angels who are ready to seduce them and whom the saints will condemn....A woman ought to cover her head especially in prayer and prophecy. Then she becomes pregnant with the Spirit, and accordingly rouses the hatred of the tempter all the more when she leaves behind the boundaries of her womanly weakness, and aspires to human perfection....So because a woman becomes spiritually pregnant,...she has a power over her head, so taht the wiles and snaers of the enemy may not confront her. Her hair shows that by this power she is both guided and defended. Strength is bestowed on her by that very humility of heart by which through the guidance of self-control she restrains the arrogance of knowledge." ["Letter 23: To Severus," 24, 25, in ACW, Vol. II, 36:27, 28; St. Paulinus' words were inspired by St. Ambrose, Migne Latiina 15:1759.]