On the nature of angels' wings, Saint John Chrysostom explains: "They manifest... sublimity.... Not that angels have wings, but that you may know that they leave the heights and the most elevated dwelling to approach human nature. Accordingly, the wings attributed to these powers have no other meaning than to indicate the sublimity of their nature.

Elegant wood carving of a golden-haired winged angel holding a candle with hands clasped in prayer. Hand carved and painted in Bogorodsk, Russia. 9" tall.