Christian angelic hierarchy 1

Christian angelic hierarchy

The Assumption of the Virgin by Francesco Botticini at the National GalleryLondon, shows three hierarchies and nine orders of angels, each with different

characteristics

Orthodox icon of nine orders of angels

For other angelic hierarchies, seeHierarchy of angels.

The most influential Christian angelichierarchy was that put forward byPseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite in the 4thor 5th century in his book De CoelestiHierarchia (The Celestial Hierarchy).During the Middle Ages, many schemeswere proposed, some drawing on andexpanding on Pseudo-Dionysius, otherssuggesting completely differentclassifications. According to medievalChristian theologians, the angels areorganized into several orders, or "AngelicChoirs".[1][2]

Pseudo-Dionysius (The Celestial Hierarchy)and Thomas Aquinas (Summa Theologica)drew on passages from the New Testament,specifically Ephesians 1:21 and Colossians1:16, in an attempt to develop a schema ofthree Hierarchies, Spheres or Triads ofangels, with each Hierarchy containing threeOrders or Choirs. Although both authorsdrew on the New Testament, the Biblicalcanon is relatively silent on the subject.Thus these hierarchies are highlyspeculative.

First Sphere

The first sphere angels serve as theheavenly counselors.

Christian angelic hierarchy 2

Seraphim

Seraphim surround the divine throne in this illustrationfrom the Petites Heures de Jean de Berry, a

14th-century illuminated manuscript.

Seraphim (singular "Seraph"), mentioned in Isaiah 6:1-7,[3] serveas the caretakers of God's throne and continuously shout praises:"Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts. All the earth is filled withHis Glory." The name Seraphim means "the burning ones." TheSeraphim have six wings. Two wings cover their face, two covertheir body, and two cover their feet.

Two of the Seraphim are named Seraphiel and Metatron,according to some books. Seraphiel is said to have the head of aneagle. It is said that such a bright light emanates from them thatnothing, not even other angelic beings, can look upon them. It isalso said that there are four of them surrounding God's throne,where they burn eternally from love and zeal for God.

Cherubim

A cherub, as described by Ezekiel and according totraditional Christian iconography.

Cherubim have four faces: one of each a man, an ox, a lion, and aneagle. They have four conjoined wings covered with eyes, a lion'sbody figure, and they have ox's feet. Cherubim guard the way tothe tree of life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:24)[4] and thethrone of God (Ezekiel 28:14-16).[5]

The cherubim are mentioned in Genesis 3:24;[4] Exodus 25:17-22;2 Chronicles 3:7-14; Ezekiel 10:12–14,[6] 28:14-16;[5] 1 Kings6:23–28;[7] and Revelation 4:6-8.

Modern English usage has blurred the distinction betweencherubim and putti. Putti are the winged human baby/toddler-likebeings traditionally used in figurative art.

St. Thomas Aquinas imagined Satan as a fallen Cherub.[8]

Christian angelic hierarchy 3

Thrones or Ophanim

One traditional depiction of the chariot vision, based on the description in Ezekiel.

The "Thrones" (Gr. thronos) or Elders, alsoknown as the Erelim or Ophanim, are a classof celestial beings mentioned by Paul ofTarsus in Colossians 1:16 [9] (NewTestament). They are living symbols ofGod's justice and authority, and have as oneof their symbols the throne. These highcelestial beings appear to be mentionedagain in Revelation 11:16 [10].

The Ophanim (Heb. ofanim: Wheels, alsoknown as Thrones, from the vision ofDaniel  7:9) are unusual looking evencompared to the other celestial beings; Theyappear as a beryl-colouredwheel-within-a-wheel, their rims coveredwith hundreds of eyes.

They are closely connected with the Cherubim: "When they moved, the others moved; when they stopped, the othersstopped; and when they rose from the earth, the wheels rose along with them; for the spirit of the living creatures[Cherubim] was in the wheels." Ezekiel 10:17 NRSV.

Second SphereAngels of the Second Sphere work as heavenly governors.

DominionsThe "Dominions" (lat. dominatio, plural dominationes, also translated from the Greek term kyriotites as "Lordships")or "Dominations" are presented as the hierarchy of celestial beings "Lordships" in the De Coelesti Hierarchia. TheDominions, also known as the Hashmallim, regulate the duties of lower angels. It is only with extreme rarity that theangelic lords make themselves physically known to humans. They are also the angels who preside over nations.The Dominions are believed to look like divinely beautiful humans with a pair of feathered wings, much like thecommon representation of angels, but they may be distinguished from other groups by wielding orbs of lightfastened to the heads of their scepters or on the pommel of their swords.

VirtuesThe "Virtues" or "Strongholds" lie beyond the ophanim (Thrones/Wheels). Their primary duty is to supervise themovements of the heavenly bodies in order to ensure that the cosmos remains in order.The term appears to be linked to the attribute "might", from the Greek root "δύναμις" in Ephesians 1:21 [11], whichis also translated as "Virtue". They are presented as the celestial Choir "Virtues", in the Summa Theologica.Traditional theological conceptions of the Virtues might appear to describe the same Order called the Thrones (Gr.thronos), (in which case the Ophanim may not be the same thing as "Thrones").From Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite's De Coelesti Hierarchia:

"The name of the holy Virtues signifies a certain powerful and unshakable virility welling forth into all their Godlike energies; not being weak and feeble for any reception of the divine Illuminations granted to it; mounting upwards in fullness of power to an assimilation with God; never falling away from the

Christian angelic hierarchy 4

Divine Life through its own weakness, but ascending unwaveringly to the superessential Virtue which isthe Source of virtue: fashioning itself, as far as it may, in virtue; perfectly turned towards the Source ofvirtue, and flowing forth providentially to those below it, abundantly filling them with virtue."[12]

Powers or AuthoritiesThe "Powers" (lat. potestas (f), pl. potestates), or "Authorities", from the Greek exousies, (see Greek root in Eph3:10 [13]) appear to collaborate, in power and authority, with the Principalities (Rulers).The Powers are the bearers of conscience and the keepers of history. They are also the warrior angels created to becompletely loyal to God. Some believe that no Power has ever fallen from grace, but another theory states that Satanwas the Chief of the Powers before he Fell (see also Ephesians  6:12). Their duty is to oversee the distribution ofpower among humankind, hence their name.Paul used the term rule and authority in Ephesians 1:21,[14] and rulers and authorities in Ephesians 3:10.[15] He mayhave been referring to the rulers and authorities of humanity, instead of referring to angels.

Third SphereAngels who function as heavenly messengers and soldiers.

Principalities or RulersThe "Principalities" (lat. principatus, pl. principatūs) also translated as "Princedoms" and "Rulers", from the Greekarche (see Greek root in Eph 3:10 [13]), appear to collaborate, in power and authority with the Powers (Authorities).The Principalities are shown wearing a crown and carrying a sceptre. Their duty also is said to be to carry out theorders given to them by the Dominions and bequeath blessings to the material world. Their task is to oversee groupsof people. They are the educators and guardians of the realm of earth. Like beings related to the world of thegerminal ideas, they are said to inspire living things to many things such as art or science.Paul used the term rule and authority in Ephesians 1:21,[14] and rulers and authorities in Ephesians 3:10.[15]

Christian angelic hierarchy 5

Archangels

Guido Reni's archangel Michael (in the Capuchinchurch of Santa Maria della Concezione, Rome,

1636) tramples Satan.

The word "archangel" comes from the Greek αρχάγγελος(archaggělǒs), meaning chief angel, a translation of the HebrewIt derives from the Greek archō, meaning [16] (rav-mal'ákh) רב־מלאךto be first in rank or power; and aggělǒs which means messenger. Theword is only used twice in the New Testament: Thessalonians 1 4:16and Jude  1:9. Only Archangels Gabriel and Michael are mentioned byname in the New Testament.

In most Christian traditions Gabriel is also considered an archangel,but there is no direct literal support for this assumption. It is also worthnoting that the term 'archangel' appears only in the singular, neverplural, and only in specific reference to Michael. Some Christian faithstake this to mean that Michael is, in fact, the only archangel.The name of the archangel Raphael appears only in the Book of Tobit(Tobias). Tobit is considered Deuterocanonical by Roman Catholics(both Eastern and Western Rites) and Eastern Orthodox Christians.The Book of Tobit is also read by Anglicans and Lutherans, but not byReformed Christians or Baptists. Raphael said to Tobias that he was"one of the seven who stand before the Lord", and it is generallybelieved that Michael and Gabriel are two of the other six.

A fourth Archangel is Uriel whose name literally means "Fire of God" or "Light of God." Uriel's name is the onlyone not mentioned in the Lutheran Bible, but plays, however, a prominent role in an apocryphon read by Anglicanand Russian Orthodox Christians: The second Book of Esdras (fourth Books of Esdras in the Latin Vulgate). In thebook he unveils seven prophecies to the prophet Ezra, after whom the book is named. He also plays a role in theapocryphal Book of Enoch, which is considered canonical by both the Ethiopian Orthodox and Eritrean OrthodoxChurch.

Another possible interpretation of the seven archangels is that these seven are the seven spirits of God that standbefore the throne described in the Book of Enoch, and in the Book of Revelation.[17]

The Seven Archangels are said to be the guardian angels of nations and countries, and are concerned with the issuesand events surrounding these, including politics, military matters, commerce and trade: e.g. Archangel Michael istraditionally seen as the protector of Israel and of the ecclesia (Gr. root ekklesia from the New Testament passages),theologically equated as the Church, the forerunner of the spiritual New Israel.It is possible to make a distinction between archangel (with a lower-case a) and Archangel (with an uppercase A).The former can denote the second-lowest choir (arch-angels in the sense of being just above the lowest Choir ofangels that is called only "angels") but the latter may denote the highest of all the angels (i.e., Arch-angels in thesense of being above all angels, of any Choir. The seven highest Seraphim, Michael being the highest of all, onceSatan fell).Some Christian groups, such as the Seventh Day Adventists, believe Michael the Archangel is another name forJesus.

Christian angelic hierarchy 6

Angels

An angel comforting Jesus,by Carl Heinrich Bloch,

1865-1879.

The "angels", (malakhim Greek aggělǒs) messengers, are the lowest order of the angels,and the most recognized. They are the ones most concerned with the affairs of livingthings. Within the category of the angels, there are many different kinds, with differentfunctions. The angels are sent as messengers to mankind.

Choirs scheme in medieval theology

The angelic choirs circling the abode of God, from Dante's Paradiso,illustrated by Gustave Doré.

During the Middle Ages, many schemes wereproposed, some drawing on and expanding onPseudo-Dionysius, others suggesting completelydifferent classifications (some authors limited thenumber of Choirs to seven). Several other hierarchieswere proposed, some in nearly inverted order. Some ofthose schemes are here presented:

• Clement of Rome in Apostolic Constitutions (1stcentury):

•• 1. Seraphim, 2. Cherubim, 3. Aeons, 4. Hosts, 5.Powers, 6. Authorities, 7. Principalities, 8.Thrones, 9. Archangels, 10. Angels, 11.Dominions.

• St. Ambrose in Apologia Prophet David, 5 (4thcentury):

•• 1. Seraphim, 2. Cherubim, 3. Dominations, 4.Thrones, 5. Principalities, 6. Potentates (orPowers), 7. Virtues, 8. Angels, 9. Archangels.

• St. Jerome (4th century):•• 1. Seraphim, 2. Cherubim, 3. Powers, 4. Dominions (Dominations), 5. Thrones, 6. Archangels, 7. Angels.

• Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite in De Coelesti Hierarchia (ca. 5th century):•• First sphere: 1. Seraphim, 2. Cherubim, 3. Thrones;•• Second sphere: 4. Authorities, 5. Lordships, 6. Powers;•• Third sphere: 7. Principalities, 8. Archangels, 9. Angels.

• St. Gregory the Great in Homilia (6th century)•• 1. Seraphim, 2. Cherubim, 3. Thrones, 4. Dominations, 5. Principalities, 6. Powers, 7. Virtues, 8. Archangels,

9. Angels.• St. Isidore of Seville in Etymologiae (7th century):

Christian angelic hierarchy 7

•• 1. Seraphim, 2. Cherubim, 3. Powers, 4. Principalities, 5. Virtues, 6. Dominations, 7. Thrones, 8. Archangels,9. Angels.

• John of Damascus in De Fide Orthodoxa (8th century):•• 1. Seraphim, 2. Cherubim, 3. Thrones, 4. Dominions, 5. Powers, 6. Authorities (Virtues), 7. Rulers

(Principalities), 8. Archangels, 9. Angels.• Blessed Hildegard of Bingen in Scivias [18] (1098–1179):

•• 1. Seraphim, Cherubim;•• 2. Thrones, Dominations, Principalities, Powers and Virtues;•• 3. Archangels and Angels.

• St. Thomas Aquinas in Summa Theologica (1225–1274):•• 1. Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones;•• 2. Dominations, Virtues, and Powers;•• 3. Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.

• Dante Alighieri in The Divine Comedy (1308–1321)•• 1. Seraphim, 2. Cherubim, 3. Thrones, 4. Dominations, 5. Virtues, 6. Powers, 7. Principalities, 8. Archangels,

9. Angels.

References[1] Chase, Steven (2002). Angelic spirituality. p. 264. ISBN 978-0-8091-3948-4.[2] McInerny, Ralph M. (1998). Selected writings of Thomas Aquinas. p. 841. ISBN 978-0-14-043632-7.[3] "Isaiah 6 - NET Bible" (http:/ / www. bible. org/ netbible/ isa6. htm). Bible.org. . Retrieved 2007-03-13.[4] "Genesis 3 - NET Bible" (http:/ / www. bible. org/ netbible/ gen3. htm). Bible.org. . Retrieved 2007-03-13.[5] "Ezekiel 10 - NET Bible" (http:/ / www. bible. org/ netbible/ eze28. htm). Bible.org. . Retrieved 2008-11-10.[6] "Ezekiel 10 - NET Bible" (http:/ / www. bible. org/ netbible/ eze10. htm). Bible.org. . Retrieved 2007-03-13.[7] "1 Kings 6 - NET Bible" (http:/ / www. bible. org/ netbible/ 1ki6. htm). Bible.org. . Retrieved 2007-03-13.[8] "SUMMA THEOLOGICA: The malice of the angels with regard to sin (Prima Pars, Q. 63)" (http:/ / www. newadvent. org/ summa/ 1063.

htm#article7). Newadvent.org. . Retrieved 2011-12-05.[9] http:/ / www. blueletterbible. org/ cgi-bin/ c. pl?book=Col& chapter=1& verse=16& version=KJV#16[10] http:/ / www. biblegateway. com/ passage/ ?search=Revelation%2011:15-17;& version=31;[11] http:/ / www. blueletterbible. org/ cgi-bin/ c. pl?book=Eph& chapter=1& verse=21& version=KJV#21[12] "Dionysius the Areopagite: Celestial Hierarchy" (http:/ / www. esoteric. msu. edu/ VolumeII/ CelestialHierarchy. html). Esoteric.msu.edu. .

Retrieved 2011-12-05.[13] http:/ / www. blueletterbible. org/ cgi-bin/ c. pl?book=Eph& chapter=3& verse=10& version=KJV#10[14] "NET BibleŽ - Ephesians 1" (http:/ / www. bible. org/ netbible/ eph1. htm). Bible.org. . Retrieved 2011-12-05.[15] "NET BibleŽ - Ephesians 3" (http:/ / www. bible. org/ netbible/ eph3. htm). Bible.org. . Retrieved 2011-12-05.[16] Strong, J, Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Riverside Books and Bible House, Iowa Falls (Iowa), ISBN 0-917006-01-1.[17][17] Revelation 1:5.[18] Mother Columba Hart, Bishop, Jane , Newman Barbara (1990) Hildegard of Bingen: Scivias (Classics of Western Spirituality)

U.S.A.:Paulist Press. Vision Six, page 139f. Amazon.com (http:/ / www. amazon. com/ dp/ 0809131307)

Christian angelic hierarchy 8

Further reading• C. A. Patrides. "On the orders of angels" (Chapter one). Premises and Motifs in Renaissance Thought and

Literature (Princeton, 1982) ISBN 0-691-06505-5

Bibliography1. Copeland, Mark. Ministering Spirits: Angels In The Old Testament (http:/ / www. ccel. org/ contrib/

exec_outlines/ angel/ angel_02. htm). Executable Outlines. 2004.2. Copeland, Mark. Terms And Descriptions Of Angels (http:/ / www. ccel. org/ contrib/ exec_outlines/ angel/

angel_01. htm). Executable Outlines. 2004.3. Fares, Aymen. Angelics and the Angelic Realm (http:/ / www. spiritual. com. au/ articles/ angels/ angels_uk.

htm). Spiritual.com.au Pty. Ltd. 2000.4. Tatum, Johnny. The Hierarchy of Angels: Hierarchical Chart of Angels (http:/ / radicalgrace. com/ creat15. htm).

Worldnet Grace Ministries.5. Tatum, Johnny. The Hierarchy of Angels: Distinguishing the Higher Ranked (http:/ / radicalgrace. com/ creat11.

htm). Worldnet Grace Ministries.6. The Bible ( Searchable online version (http:/ / bible. com/ bible_read. html))7. Pseudo-Dionysus the Areopagite. The Celestial Hierarchy (http:/ / www. esoteric. msu. edu/ VolumeII/

CelestialHierarchy. html).

Christian angelic hierarchy

First Sphere(liberated)

Seraphim • Cherubim • Ophanim • Thrones

SecondSphere(active)

Dominions • Virtues  • Powers or Authorities

Third Sphere(active)

Principalities or Rulers • Archangels • Angels

Article Sources and Contributors 9

Article Sources and ContributorsChristian angelic hierarchy  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?oldid=537956419  Contributors: ***Ria777, -ross616-, 2607:EA00:101:2015:495:F5E5:CE32:95C9, AJHingston,AMC0712, Aaron Brenneman, Abi79, Adambro, Aestiva, Agneljose, Ahpook, Akinkhoo, Alex earlier account, Alphax, Alphonsus77, Anaraug, Anarchangel, Andy5421, Angela, Angr, Apoyon,Aranea Mortem, Ardonik, Ariedartin, Armaced, Armando12, Art LaPella, Ashley-kun, Astrologist, Astromalex, Baconator96, BalthCat, Beeblebrox, Biglovinb, Buddhaamaatya, Calmypal,Canstusdis, CesarFelipe, Cherurbino, Chowbok, Chzz, Crystallina, Csernica, DGG, David Latapie, Dbachmann, DocWatson42, Dominus, Drugonot, Ecurran, Editor2020, ElKevbo, EliasAlucard,Emperorbma, Erebus555, Ernobe, Euqinimod, Fcady2007, FreedomFighter112290, Frymaster, GCord52, Gabriel Yuji, Gail, Gareth McCaughan, Gawaxay, Girlfawkes, Gjescobedo, GumTree,Gunter.krebs, Harvestdancer, He to Hecuba, Headwork, Helikophis, Heptazane, Horokeu usui, HubHikari, IGTHORN, Ian.thomson, Iridescent, Ishimfirestarter, IvoBrasil, JamesCrowe,Jay-Sebastos, Jb-adder, Jesvane, JimVC3, Jimmy10291, JoeEsquivel, Johnbod, Jorge Stolfi, Joseph Dwayne, Kaiwynn, Keyesc, Keyrok, Kiefer.Wolfowitz, KoosJaspers, Kpalion,Kristamaranatha, Ladytamara, Littlejimmystyle, Lizuardo, Lkinkade, Locke Yggdrasill, Lonpross, LoveMonkey, M.O.X, MER-C, Mac Lover, Maerk, Magister Mathematicae, Matt Deres,Merope, Metatron's Cube, Metatron-777, Mfields1, Michalisphyl, Mike Young, Minyana, Mlouns, Mod.torrentrealm, Moonwalker723, Mpolo, MrDolomite, Msr iaidoka, Mynameisnicd,Mythsearcher, NYCFin, Nath 1986 Australia, Neddyseagoon, Neier, Neigh94, PanayiotisBeskos, Pigman, Pmj, Pmronchi, Professor of History, Prophet Joshua Minor, Prvc, Purveyor of GreatKnowledge, Puuropyssy, Quadalpha, QuasarTE, R'n'B, Rabanus Flavus, RandomCritic, ReformedArsenal, ReySquared, RookZERO, Rosaecruz, Satanael, Secundus Zephyrus, Seraphim2301,Shakko, SigmaEpsilon, Skumarla, SkyWalker, Soidi, Sophocha, Soul phire, St3-phy, StShubz, Stenvenhe, SteveMcCluskey, Storm Rider, Sunborn, Tanuki Z, Tarix of Tajun, Tb, TedE,TheArguer, TheOldJacobite, Thomas Kist, Tom harrison, TreasuryTag, Trusilver, Vanished user ewfisn2348tui2f8n2fio2utjfeoi210r39jf, Viridae, Will, Wohksworth, Wtmitchell, Xanderliptak,Xanzzibar, Zahakiel, Zeomox, 484 anonymous edits

Image Sources, Licenses and ContributorsImage:Francesco Botticini - The Assumption of the Virgin.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Francesco_Botticini_-_The_Assumption_of_the_Virgin.jpg  License:Public Domain  Contributors: Auntof6, Basilicofresco, Brandmeister, David Angel, Deadstar, Ham, Joadl, Kenta1819218, Man vyi, Mattes, Sailko, ShakkoFile:Nine orders of angels.jpeg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Nine_orders_of_angels.jpeg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: anonimousImage:Seraphim - Petites Heures de Jean de Berry.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Seraphim_-_Petites_Heures_de_Jean_de_Berry.jpg  License: Public Domain Contributors: Original uploader was Mirv at en.wikipediaFile:Tetramorph meteora.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Tetramorph_meteora.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Shakko, 1 anonymous editsImage:Ezekiel's vision.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Ezekiel's_vision.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: copy by unknown artist after illustration byMatthaeus (Matthäus) Merian the elder (1593-1650)File:Guido Reni 031.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Guido_Reni_031.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: AnRo0002, Boo-Boo Baroo, FxJ, Jembob,Mathiasrex, Mattes, Prosfilaes, ReaverFlash, Shakko, Thomas Gun, 5 anonymous editsFile:Gethsemane Carl Bloch.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Gethsemane_Carl_Bloch.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Carl Heinrich BlochImage:Paradiso Canto 31.jpg  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=File:Paradiso_Canto_31.jpg  License: Public Domain  Contributors: Conscious, Infrogmation, Jappalang,Mattes, Mayer Bruno, Radagast3, Roomba, Sailko, Sdrtirs, Shakko, Syraceuse, Wikibob, Xenophon, 6 anonymous edits

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