When our Lord and Great God and Savior Jesus Christ was found upon earth, He wrought many mighty works. Myriads of sick people, even from countries remote from the land of Judaea, who was afflicted with infirmities and diseases of every kind, were coming to Him in the hope of being healed. At that time, the toparch of Edessa was king Abgar (Avgaros). He gained renown among the nations east of the Euphrates for his valor. Now his body had been wasting away with a grievous disease, such as there is no cure for among men. And when he heard and was informed of the name of Jesus, and about the mighty works which He did--for everyone alike bore witness concerning Jesus to come and heal him of his disease.

Accordingly here in the book of Revelation (Apocalypse) He says the seven stars are the bishops of the seven churches (the word Angel in this context is the bishop.) and the seven lampstands are the seven churches in Asia Minor. After explaining these two points, He does not explain the rest of the book of Revelation. He does not explain it, but he gives the key to Saint John to enable him to interpret the visions. Saint John then passes this same key to every reader in the Church throughout the centuries. So, my friends, the Lord gives the key to Saint John, and through him, to all of us. However, even if we happen to hold the key of interpretation, (and you can see how emphatic I am on this matter) we have an entire book before us with a plethora of images. How will explain all these even if we are holding the key of interpretation? It is not enough if the reader, the interpreter, does not have the spirit of God. Nor only the book of Revelation, but every word of the Lord remains sealed the seven seals in the absence of the Holy Spirit.

The One - the Lord Jesus Christ - Who appeared to Saint John told him to "write what you see to the seven churches." These are seven historical, actual churches of Asia Minor. Obviously, they were not the only churches in Asia Minor, nor were they the greatest or largest of the churches compared to those established by the Holy Apostles. There were churches like the church of Jerusalem, Antioch, or Rome, or Corinth, but initially, these seven churches were in the visual spectrum of Saint John the Evangelist whose home base was Ephesus.

What we have here is a wonderful reference to the Holy Triune God.

Saint Andrew of Caesarea writes on this verse, "Grace to you and peace from the Three Persons of the Holy Trinity, explaining that "the One Who Is" refers to the Father." "The One Who was" reminds us of some key verses of Saint in his Gospel where he says, "In the beginning was the Logos/Word" (John 1:1)-in the beginning of the creation that is. So, this "Who was" refers to the Son. And "the One Who is coming" refers to the Paraclete/tos or the Holy Spirit. Who came and stays in the Church and sanctifies the children of God through Holy Baptism.