Thus above we learned that churches are entrusted to angels. The wise Daniel wrote that Michael, chief among the angels, provides for the Jewish people (cf. Dan 10:13, 21; 12:1).
And now the Apocalypse describes to us the angel appointed over the waters.
For earthly creatures were composed of four elements: air, fire, earth, and water. Some wish the heavenly beings to have been made with a certain fifth corporeality, namely an ethereal one moving in a circle.
Three elements, fire, earth, and air, were distributed abundantly for use in breathing and for other primary needs.
Water alone was not given to all in abundance. This includes drinkable water, which is in springs, streams, wells, and rivers.
It also includes aerial water, which is held in heaven by the clouds, gives us rain in due season by God’s command, and nourishes every living thing on earth.
Since not all have sufficient water, one of the holy angels is appointed so that those who need water may not lack it. They are supplied with it to the measure of their need.
Because of our evil deeds, water often becomes scarce and disappears, causing drought, famine, and the pestilences that follow them.
John says that he heard this very angel, appointed by God’s providence over the waters, saying: “Righteous are You, O Lord, who are and who were, and holy.”
The words “who are” signify God’s infinity. “Who were” signifies His beginninglessness. “Holy” means righteous “over all and through all” (Eph 4:6).
For John says that He judged thus, that those who shed the blood of the saints should drink blood.
For it is necessary that those who, during war, encamped along waters and rivers should drink water defiled by the blood of murder.
THEOSIS