before God's throne. They praise God, calling, "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of Hosts". the only Bible
reference is Isaiah 6:1-7. One of them touched Isaiah's lips with a live coal from the altar, cleansing him
from sin. Seraphim have six wings, two cover their faces, two cover their feet, and two are for flying.
CherubimCherubim rank after the Seraphim and are the second highest in the nine hierarchies or choirs of
angels. The Old Testament does not reveal any evidence that the Jews considered them as
intercessors or helpers of God. They were closely linked in God's glory. They are manlike in
appearance and double-winged and were guardians of God's glory. They symbolized then, God's power
and mobility. In the New Testament, they are alluded to as celestial attendants in the Apocalypse (Rv
4-6). Catholic tradition describes them as angels who have an intimate knowledge of God and
continually praise Him.
ThronesThrones are the Angels of pure Humility, Peace and Submission. They reside in the area of the cosmos
where material form begins to take shape. The lower Choir of Angels need the Thrones to access God.
DominionsDominions are Angels of Leadership. They regulate the duties of the angels, making known the
commands of God.
VirtuesVirtues are known as the Spirits of Motion and control the elements. They are sometimes referred to as
"the shining ones." They govern all nature. They have control over seasons, stars, moon; even the sun
is subject to their command. They are also in charge of miracles and provide courage, grace, and valor.
PowersPowers are Warrior Angels against evil defending the cosmos and humans. They are known as
potentates. They fight against evil spirits who attempt to wreak chaos through human beings. The chief
is said to be either Samael or Camael, both angels of darkness.
ArchangelsArchangels are generally taken to mean "chief or leading angel" ( Jude 9; 1 Thes 4:16), they are the
most frequently mentioned throughout the Bible. They may be of this or other hierarchies as St.
Michael Archangel, who is a princely Seraph. The Archangels have a unique role as God's messenger
to the people at critical times in history and salvation (Tb 12:6, 15; Jn 5:4; Rv 12:7-9) as in The
Annunciation and Apocalypse. A feast day celebrating the Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael is
celebrated throughout the Church Sep 29. A special part of the Byzantine Liturgy invokes the
"Cherubic Hymn" which celebrates these archangels and the guardian angels particularly. Of special
significance is St. Michael as he has been invoked as patron and protector by the Church from the time
of the Apostles. The Eastern Rite and many others place him over all the angels, as Prince of the
Seraphim. He is described as the "chief of princes" and as the leader of the forces of heaven in their
triumph over Satan and his followers. The angel Gabriel first appeared in the Old Testament in the
prophesies of Daniel, he announced the prophecy of 70 weeks (Dn 9:21-27). He appeared to Zechariah
to announce the birth of St. John the Baptist (Lk 1:11). It was also Gabriel which proclaimed the
Annunciation of Mary to be the mother of our Lord and Savior. (Lk 1:26) The angel Raphael first
appeared in the book of Tobit (Tobias)Tb 3:25, 5:5-28, 6-12). He announces "I am the Angel Raphael, one
of the seven who stand before the throne of God." (Tb 12:15)
PrincipalitiesIn the New Testament Principalities refers to one type of spiritual (metaphysical) being which are now
quite hostile to God and human beings. (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Col 1:16; 2:10, 15)
Along with the principalities are the powers (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 1 Pt 3:22; 2 Thes 1:7); and
cosmological powers (1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 3:10; Col 2:15);Dominions (Eph 1:21; Col 1:16) and thrones
(Col1:16). The clarity of the New Testament witness helps see that these beings were created through
Christ and for Him (Col 1:16). Given their hostility to God and humans due to sin, Christ's ultimate rule
over them (ibid) expresses the reign of the Lord over all in the cosmos. This is the Lordship of Christ,
which reveals God's tremendous salvation in conquering sin and death at the cross, and now takes
place in the Church. (Eph 3:10)
AngelsThese angels are closest to the material world and human being's. They deliver the prayers to God and
God's answers and other messages to humans. Angels have the capacity to access any and all other
Angels at any time. They are the most caring and socials to assist those who ask for help.
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