**Angelic beings** There are three lines of angelic beings where every one of which divides into three hierarchies making a total of nine spheres. The superior type [Seraphim](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seraphim)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Seraphim), [Cherubim](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cherubim)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Cherubim), and [Thrones](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrones)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Thrones) are entities contemplating respectively the goodness, essence, form, and wisdom of God. In the middle exist [Dominions](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_angelic_hierarchy#Dominions)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Christian_angelic_hierarchy#Dominions), [Virtues](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_angelic_hierarchy#Virtues)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Christian_angelic_hierarchy#Virtues) and [Powers](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_angelic_hierarchy#Powers)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Christian_angelic_hierarchy#Powers) as beings governing the world. The firsts command that which the others execute; the seconds minister to the heavens and sometimes assist miracles; the thirds remove what can disturb the divine law. In the inferior hierarchy stay the [Principalities](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_angelic_hierarchy#Principalities_or_Rulers)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Christian_angelic_hierarchy#Principalities_or_Rulers), [Archangels](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_angelic_hierarchy#Archangels)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Christian_angelic_hierarchy#Archangels) and [Angels](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_angelic_hierarchy#Angels)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Christian_angelic_hierarchy#Angels) ministering spirits who descend to take care of inferior topics. The firsts of these conduct public issues, princes, magistrates, provinces, kingdoms; every nation has a ruling angel designated. The seconds comply sacred duties and direct the divine worship about every man; present the prayers and sacrifices of men in front of the gods. The thirds control every smaller affair; to each thing there is a preserver and providing vitality to plants, stones and to all inferior things; like ministers, mediate many common issues between God and the man. Agrippa still stresses another subdivisions as [watchful orders](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heavenly_host)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Heavenly_host) which are the _Doctrinal order_, _Tutelary order_, where him puts entities like the being [Michael](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_%28archangel%29)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Michael_%28archangel%29) one of the princes and the being [Raphael](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raphael_%28archangel%29)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Raphael_%28archangel%29), then follow the _Procuratorial order_, _Ministerial order_, _Auxiliary order_, _Receptor order_ and lastly the _order of Assistants_ who assist the ruler of the whole Earth. In sequence the writer highlights the [Hebraic version](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kabbalistic_angelic_hierarchy)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Kabbalistic_angelic_hierarchy) of these orders of beings which appoint right relation with the [cabalistic Tree of life](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tree_of_Life_%28Kabbalah%29)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Tree_of_Life_%28Kabbalah%29): **First Sphere** **Seraphim** [Seraphim](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seraphim)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Seraphim) (singular "Seraph"), mentioned in Isaiah 6:1-7, serve as the caretakers of [God's throne](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throne_of_God)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Throne_of_God) and continuously shout praises: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts. All the earth is filled with His Glory." The name Seraphim means "the burning ones." The Seraphim have six wings. Two of the Seraphim are named [Seraphiel](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seraphiel)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Seraphiel) and [Metatron](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metatron)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Metatron), according to some books. Seraphiel is said to have the head of an eagle. It is said that such a bright light emanates from them that nothing, not even other angelic beings, can look upon them. It is also said that there are four of them surrounding God's throne, where they burn eternally from love and zeal for God. **Cherubim** Cherubim have four faces: one of each a [man](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Man)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Man), an [ox](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ox)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Ox), a [lion](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lion)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Lion), and a [griffon vulture](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Griffon_vulture)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Griffon_vulture). They have four conjoined wings covered with eyes, a lion's body figure, and they have ox's feet. Cherubim guard the way to the tree of life in the [Garden of Eden](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Garden_of_Eden)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Garden_of_Eden) (Genesis 3:24) and the throne of God (Ezekiel 28:14-16). The cherubim are mentioned in Genesis 3:24; Exodus 25:17-22; 2 Chronicles 3:7-14; Ezekiel 10:12–14, 28:14-16; 1 Kings 6:23–28; and Revelation 4:6-8. Modern English usage has blurred the distinction between cherubim and [_putti_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Putto)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Putto). _Putti_ are the winged human baby/toddler-like beings traditionally used in figurative art. **Thrones or Ophanim** The "Thrones" ([Gr.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Greek_language) _thronos_) or Elders, also known as the [_Erelim_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erelim)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Erelim) or [Ophanim](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ophanim)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Ophanim), are a class of [celestial](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Celestial)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Celestial) beings mentioned by [Paul of Tarsus](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_of_Tarsus)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Paul_of_Tarsus) in [Colossians 1:16](http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Col&chapter=1&verse=16&version=KJV#16) (New Testament). They are living symbols of God's justice and authority, and have as one of their symbols the [throne](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Throne)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Throne). These high celestial beings appear to be mentioned again in [Revelation 11:16](http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Revelation%2011:15-17;&version=31;). The _Ophanim_ ([Heb.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hebrew)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Hebrew) _ofanim_: Wheels, also known as Thrones, from the vision of [Daniel 7:9](http://bibref.hebtools.com/?book=%20Daniel&verse=7:9&src=NIV)) are unusual looking even compared to the other celestial beings; They appear as a [beryl](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beryl)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Beryl)-coloured wheel-within-a-wheel, their rims covered with hundreds of eyes. They are closely connected with the Cherubim: "When they moved, the others moved; when they stopped, the others stopped; 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 Sphere** [[10-01/10-01 Org/Clippings (Mass DLs MQ)/Angels]] of the Second Sphere work as heavenly governors. **Dominions** The "Dominions" (lat. _dominatio_, plural _dominationes_, also translated from the Greek term _kyriotites_ as "Lordships") are presented as the hierarchy of celestial beings "Lordships" in the _De Coelesti Hierarchia_. The Dominions, also known as the [_Hashmallim_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hashmallim)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Hashmallim), regulate the duties of lower angels. It is only with extreme rarity that the angelic 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 the common representation of angels, but they may be distinguished from other groups by wielding orbs of light fastened to the heads of their scepters or on the pommel of their swords. **Virtues** The "Virtues" or "Strongholds" lie beyond the _ophanim_ (Thrones/Wheels). Their primary duty is to supervise the movements 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](http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Eph&chapter=1&verse=21&version=KJV#21), which is 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](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudo-Dionysius_the_Areopagite)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Pseudo-Dionysius_the_Areopagite)'s [De Coelesti Hierarchia](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Coelesti_Hierarchia)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/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 Divine Life through its own weakness, but ascending unwaveringly to the superessential Virtue which is the Source of virtue: fashioning itself, as far as it may, in virtue; perfectly turned towards the Source of virtue, and flowing forth providentially to those below it, abundantly filling them with virtue." **Powers or Authorities** The "Powers" ([lat](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Latin). _potestas_ (f), pl. _potestates_), or "Authorities", from the Greek _exousies_, (see Greek root in [Eph 3:10](http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Eph&chapter=3&verse=10&version=KJV#10)) 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 be completely loyal to God. Some believe that no Power has ever fallen from grace, but another theory states that [Satan](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satan)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Satan) was the Chief of the Powers before he Fell (see also [Ephesians 6:12](http://bibref.hebtools.com/?book=%20Ephesians&verse=6:12&src=KJV)). Their duty is to oversee the distribution of power among humankind, hence their name. Paul used the term _rule_ and _authority_ in Ephesians 1:21 [[1]](http://www.bible.org/netbible/eph1.htm), and _rulers_ and _authorities_ in Ephesians 3:10 [[2]](http://www.bible.org/netbible/eph3.htm). He may have been referring to the rulers and authorities of humanity, instead of referring to angels. **Third Sphere** Angels who function as heavenly messengers and soldiers. **Principalities or Rulers** The "Principalities" ([lat](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Latin). _principatus_, pl. _principatūs_) also translated as "Princedoms" and "Rulers", from the Greek _arche_ (see Greek root in [Eph 3:10](http://www.blueletterbible.org/cgi-bin/c.pl?book=Eph&chapter=3&verse=10&version=KJV#10)), appear to collaborate, in power and authority with the Powers (Authorities). The Principalities are shown wearing a crown and carrying a [sceptre](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sceptre)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Sceptre). Their duty also is said to be to carry out the orders given to them by the Dominions and bequeath blessings to the material world. Their task is to oversee groups of people. They are the educators and guardians of the realm of earth. Like beings related to the world of the _germinal ideas_, they are said to inspire living things to many things such as [art](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Art)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Art) or [science](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Science)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Science). Paul used the term _rule_ and _authority_ in Ephesians 1:21 [[3]](http://www.bible.org/netbible/eph1.htm), and _rulers_ and _authorities_ in Ephesians 3:10 [[4]](http://www.bible.org/netbible/eph3.htm). He may have been referring to the rulers and authorities of men or societies, instead of referring to angels. **Archangels** The word "archangel" comes from the Greek αρχάγγελος (_archangělǒs_), meaning _chief angel_, a translation of the Hebrew רב־מלאך (_rav-mal'ákh_) It derives from the Greek _archō_, meaning to be first in rank or power; and _aggělǒs_ which means messenger. The word is only used twice in the [New Testament](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Testament)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/New_Testament): [1 Thessalonians 4:16](http://bibref.hebtools.com/?book=1%20Thessalonians&verse=4:16&src=NRSV) and [Jude 1:9](http://bibref.hebtools.com/?book=%20Jude&verse=1:9&src=NRSV). Only Archangels [Gabriel](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archangel_Gabriel)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Archangel_Gabriel) and [Michael](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archangel_Michael)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Archangel_Michael) are mentioned by name in the New Testament. Michael is the only angel the Bible named expressly as "the" archangel. In the [Book of Daniel](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Daniel)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Book_of_Daniel) he is referred to as "one of the chief princes". The word "prince" here is the ancient Hebrew word _sar_, which means: "a head person (of any rank or class), a chief, a general etc." In most Christian traditions Gabriel is also considered an archangel, but there is no direct literal support for this assumption. The name of the [archangel Raphael](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archangel_Raphael)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Archangel_Raphael) appears only in the [Book of Tobit](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Tobit)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Book_of_Tobit) (Tobias). Tobit is considered [Deuterocanonical](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deuterocanonical_books)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Deuterocanonical_books) 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 by Reformed Christians or Baptists. [[Raphael]] said to Tobias that he was "one of the seven who stand before the Lord", and it is generally believed that Michael and Gabriel are two of the other six. A fourth Archangel is [Uriel](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uriel)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Uriel) whose name literally means "Fire of God" or "Light of God." Uriel's name is the only one not mentioned in the Lutheran Bible, but plays, however, a prominent role in an [apocryphon](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apocryphon)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Apocryphon) read by Anglican and Russian Orthodox Christians: The second [Book of Esdras](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Esdras)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Book_of_Esdras) (fourth Books of Esdras in the [Latin Vulgate](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latin_Vulgate)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Latin_Vulgate)). In the book he unveils seven prophecies to the prophet [Ezra](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezra)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Ezra), after whom the book is named. He also plays a role in the apocryphal [Book of Enoch](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Enoch)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Book_of_Enoch), which is considered canonical only by the [Ethiopian Orthodox](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ethiopian_Orthodox)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Ethiopian_Orthodox) Church. Another possible interpretation of the seven archangels is that the seven are the seven spirits of God that stand before the throne described in the [Book of Enoch](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Enoch)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Book_of_Enoch), and in the Book of [Revelation](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revelation)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Revelation). The [Seven Archangels](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_Archangels)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Seven_Archangels) are said to be the guardian angels of nations and countries, and are concerned with the issues and events surrounding these, including politics, military matters, commerce and trade: e.g. [Archangel Michael](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Archangel_Michael)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Archangel_Michael) is traditionally seen as the protector of [Israel](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Israel) and of the [_ecclesia_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecclesia)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Ecclesia) ([Gr.](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greek_language)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Greek_language) root _ekklesia_ from the [New Testament](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Testament)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/New_Testament) passages), theologically equated as the [Church](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ecclesia_%28church%29)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Ecclesia_%28church%29), the forerunner of the spiritual [_New Israel_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Galilee_%28Sixth_Epoch%29)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/New_Galilee_%28Sixth_Epoch%29). 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 of angels that is called only "angels") but the latter may denote the highest of all the angels (i.e., Arch-angels in the sense of being above _all_ angels, of _any_ Choir. The seven highest Seraphim, Michael being the highest of all, once Satan fell). **Angels** The "angels", (_malakhim_ Greek _angělǒs_) messengers, are the lowest order of the angels, and the most recognized. They are the ones most concerned with the affairs of living things. Within the category of the angels, there are many different kinds, with different functions. The angels are sent as messengers to mankind. **Choirs scheme in medieval theology** During the [Middle Ages](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Middle_Ages)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Middle_Ages), many schemes were proposed, some drawing on and expanding on Pseudo-Dionysius, others suggesting completely different classifications (some authors limited the number of Choirs to seven). Several other hierarchies were proposed, some in nearly inverted order. Some of those schemes are here presented: - [Clement of Rome](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pope_Clement_I)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Pope_Clement_I) in [_Apostolic Constitutions_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostolic_Constitutions)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Apostolic_Constitutions) (1st century): - 1. Seraphim, 2. Cherubim, 3. Aeons, 4. Hosts, 5. Powers, 6. Authorities, 7. Principalities, 8. Thrones, 9. Archangels, 10. Angels, 11. Dominions. - [St. Ambrose](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambrose)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Ambrose) in _Apologia Prophet David_, 5 (4th century): - 1. Seraphim, 2. Cherubim, 3. Dominations, 4. Thrones, 5. Principalities, 6. Potentates (or Powers), 7. Virtues, 8. Angels, 9. Archangels. - [St. Jerome](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerome)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Jerome) (4th century): - 1. Seraphim, 2. Cherubim, 3. Powers, 4. Dominions (Dominations), 5. Thrones, 6. Archangels, 7. Angels. - [Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pseudo-Dionysius_the_Areopagite)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/Pseudo-Dionysius_the_Areopagite) in [_De Coelesti Hierarchia_](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Coelesti_Hierarchia)[(SP)](http://www.scholarpedia.org/article/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.