Why are the archangels called “Saints”?

[“Paisios”]

Why are the archangels, like St. Michael the Archangel, called Saint? I thought that the term Saint referred to human people, and that angels are a different type of creation?

 

[LaSorcia]

Why are the archangels, like St. Michael the Archangel, called Saint? I thought that the term Saint referred to human people, and that angels are a different type of creation?

I have wondered this myself and not gotten a logical answer. I'm interested to know!

 

[LaSorcia]

We should ask our priests.

 

[Michie]

I have wondered the same since converting to the Catholic Church.

 

[archer75]

I assumed that while they aren't saints in quite the same way, they are "hagioi" ("holy ones") in that they don't turn away from God, aren't fallen, etc.

 

[Michie]

I just found this from my Church’s pov.

The word "saint"' (which comes from the Latin sanctus, holy) refers, in Catholic tradition, to those who are with God in eternity. As the Second Vatican Council teaches, they are joined with God forever in a life free from decay, and share in his life and happiness. (See the Pastoral Constitution on the Church in the Modern World, Nos. 18 and 21.)

 

[Michie]

I looked for Eastern Orthodox answers but could not find any. You all might be able to find something.

 

[JIMINZ]

The following verse is in reference to the Gentiles becoming part of the Jewish People (Nation) who are the chosen people of God.

Eph 2:19
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

 

[“Paisios”]

I looked for Eastern Orthodox answers but could not find any. You all might be able to find something.

Yes, I had looked too and found nothing from the Orthodox perspective. I see archer75’s answer and it seems in line with the Roman Catholic view - I wonder if this thinking goes back pre-schism? I will ask my priest about it when I have the chance, too.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Why are the archangels, like St. Michael the Archangel, called Saint? I thought that the term Saint referred to human people, and that angels are a different type of creation?

I think we refer to certain angels as saints (holy) because there are angels who fell away.

 

[Michie]

Yes, I had looked too and found nothing from the Orthodox perspective. I see archer75’s answer and it seems in line with the Roman Catholic view - I wonder if this thinking goes back pre-schism? I will ask my priest about it when I have the chance, too.

Please let us know what he says.

 

[“Paisios”]

I think we refer to certain angels as saints (holy) because there are angels who fell away.

Would all the unfallen angels then be called Saints? I have only seen a few of the archangels specifically named as such.

 

[“Paisios”]

The following verse is in reference to the Gentiles becoming part of the Jewish People (Nation) who are the chosen people of God.

Eph 2:19
Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God;

Thank you for your thoughts. It certainly describes and explains one use of the word “saint ”, but doesn’t quite answer my question as to why Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics and some Anglicans (as well as others) refer to the archangels as “Saint”.

 

[JIMINZ]

Thank you for your thoughts. It certainly describes and explains one use of the word “saint ”, but doesn’t quite answer my question as to why Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholics and some Anglicans (as well as others) refer to the archangels as “Saint”.

Couldn't it be as simple as a misunderstanding of what the word really means?

Where is the word Saint used in relation to an Angel?

Just found this, maybe it helps.

H6918
קָדֹשׁ קָדוֹשׁ
qâdôsh qâdôsh
kaw-doshe', kaw-doshe'
From H6942; sacred (ceremonially or morally); (as noun) God (by eminence), an angel, a saint, a sanctuary: - holy (One), saint.

 

[bekkilyn]

I assumed that while they aren't saints in quite the same way, they are "hagioi" ("holy ones") in that they don't turn away from God, aren't fallen, etc.

The Greek word hagios can be translated either as the adjective "holy" or as "saints" as a plural noun. So perhaps it's more the way the Greek has been translated into English when the actual Greek holds more depth of meaning.

 

[ArmyMatt]

Would all the unfallen angels then be called Saints? I have only seen a few of the archangels specifically named as such.

I would say yes. they always have a nimbus in iconography. and, even the unnamed ones are treated as such in the services.

 

[Justin-H.S.]

Would all the unfallen angels then be called Saints? I have only seen a few of the archangels specifically named as such.

I would hope my guardian angel is holy.

 

[ArmyMatt]

I would hope my guardian angel is holy.

amen to that.