Occupation, hierarchy and differences
In the Bible, higher beings are divided according to their degree of closeness to the Creator.
Theologians distinguish three angelic spheres with three levels in each. The archangels occupy the eighth, and the ninth, last and closest to people are the angels. Archangels are conductors of God's will into the world of people. Revelations and prophecies are their field of activity.
The Archangel appeared to the Virgin Mary to convey the good news of the birth of the Savior. Next in hierarchy, angels are protectors of people and guardians of life on earth. The Church celebrates the day of angels on November 21 according to the new style. The people call the holiday St. Michael's Day, and the full name is the Council of the Archangel Michael and other ethereal Heavenly Powers.
On this day, all angelic ranks are revered, and the day of the angel of a particular person is celebrated annually on the day of baptism. According to Christian tradition, each parishioner has two birthdays. The first is earthly, when a person was born, and the second is spiritual, when he was baptized. After the sacrament, a certificate is issued, which indicates the new name of the parishioner and the name day of the guardian angel.
Archangels and their purpose
They convey God's will to the angels. Also, archangels constantly influence human life, because each one carries something special: healing, intercession, guidance. These are teachers who teach and suggest from the inside how to do the right thing. Angels are their helpers.
Names of the highest Christian angels
- Mikhail . Archangel (the eldest of the archangels, “military leader”), conqueror of the rebellious Lucifer. They pray to him when they are afraid of something. On the icons, this is a man with a pike (a banner with a cross flutters at the tip) and a date branch in his hand, a symbol of peace and tranquility. Sometimes icon painters put a flaming sword in his hands.
- Gabriel . The Lord's messenger, it was he who once came to the Virgin Mary with the news that she would give birth to Jesus Christ. Signs by which this archangel can be recognized in images: lantern (enlightenment), mirror (faith, enlightenment), branch of paradise (sign of Paradise, which this archangel guards). He appeared to the Holy Virgin with a lily in his hand - a sign of innocence and purity. They pray to him to conceive a child. People who often communicate with other people on duty - teachers, journalists, artists - consider him their patron. This is the only angel who is glorified not only on November 8, but also on March 26 (April 8), and July 13 (26).
- Rafail . Healer. It can be recognized by a vessel with potions and a stick (ancient doctors used such a tool to treat wounds). Sometimes on icons another person, a young boy or youth, appears with this archangel. This is Tobiah, the Old Testament boy, whom his father sent to another city - Raphael was his guide. Both doctors and tourists and travelers consider him their patron.
- Uriel . The Lord's flame. His signs: fire in his left hand (with its help he ignites human hearts, filling them with love for the Creator) and a lowered sword in his right. He is also a prophet - it was him who God sent to Noah to warn about the flood. Scientists pray to him because he is an enlightener of minds. Finally, he is the patron of talented people. His name is sometimes read as Ariel, Ariel.
- Salafiel . His calling is prayer. This young man holds his arms crossed in front of him, constantly turning to the Creator.
- Yehudiel . His symbols are a whip with three ends (punishment of sinners) and a golden crown (reward for the righteous). He is the patron of monks and priests. Sometimes he can invisibly appear to those in power to tell them the right decision.
- Barachiel . This archangel brings heavenly blessings. His sign is white roses. He can hold them in his hand, or decorate his clothes with them. Roses are a sign of heavenly reward for the righteous.
- Jeremiel . As a rule, there are seven archangels on icons (the same number is indicated in the Holy Scriptures). But the modern church also honors Jeremiel, “the Lord’s high place.” On icons he can be recognized by the scales in his hand.
Kinds
In addition to the nine spheres, the Bible divides the angelic hierarchy into:
- Kinship . The Old Testament tells about the Nephilim - descendants of angels who sinned with women and were punished for it.
- Holiness . In the New Testament, the names of holy angels are capitalized.
- Sinfulness . Fallen beings who betrayed God. Their names begin with lowercase letters: demon, devil, etc.
In addition to Christianity, angels are revered in Islam, as well as in Judaism. The Torah mentions seven angels, but only four are named: Michael, Raphael, Gabriel and Oriel. According to the Book of Enoch, each of them protects one of the cardinal directions.
In Islam, the four highest angels are called muqarrabun - Jibril, Mikail, Azrael and Israfail. The remaining angels are divided by function: Ridwan is the guardian of Paradise, Malik is the leader of the hellish army, Munkar and Nakir are the angels of judgment over the soul. The rest of the warriors are nameless and are part of the groups: Hamala-i Arsh - responsible for the throne of Allah, Zabani - the army of Malik, etc.
The esoteric teaching of Judaism, Kabbalah, believes that the Higher Powers are the tree of the Sephiroth (ten emanations of God), which gave birth to the five worlds. Through them, the holy army appears, led by Metatron, the divine prince.
Seraphim
Angels with this name are considered the highest rank of angels and report directly to God the Father. From the Hebrew language the word seraphim means “flaming”, i.e. burning. The word used in Hebrew is also used to refer to bright and sharp lightning.
Important! According to Scripture, seraphim continually praise the Lord and serve the needs of people. They are closest to the Creator and are the highest angelic rank, i.e. stand at the head of the Heavenly Host.
The word that in Hebrew means seraphim is also found in the Old Testament in texts where the Lord sends punishment to people for disobedience (Num. 21 chapter), from which we can conclude that this rank not only serves people, but also plays the role of a punisher for disobedience to God.
Seraphim are closest to the Creator and are the highest angelic rank
In the Bible, this type of angel is first encountered in the book of the prophet Isaiah, who describes them as creatures with six wings. In the Revelation of John the Theologian in chapter 4, the author describes them standing at the throne, looking like animals - a lion, a calf, an eagle. Only one out of four had a human-like face. All the seraphim stood around the throne and continuously brought glory to the Lord Creator.
Encyclopedia of Angels
Rosemary Quiley is a writer on occult and religious topics. In the Encyclopedia of Angels, she meticulously collected evidence of numerous meetings with the Higher Powers. The book talks about angels from the perspective of spiritual literature, popular culture and art. This is an illustrated guide to heaven's messengers and divine revelations.
Another popular book about angels is written by Professor Evelyn Dorothy Oliver. This is a collection of myths and legends, as well as historical information about the winged messengers of God. The purpose of Evelyn’s creation is to teach people kindness and peace. At the end of the book you will find many resources for studying the topic of God's messengers.
Heavenly Angels
The painting by Renaissance artist Francesco Botticini shows all nine orders of angels. “The Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary” is the name of the painting. Before the viewer's eyes appears the heavenly world, divided into ranks full of beautiful creatures. These are conductors of God's will. From the Greek, the word “angel” is translated as messenger or good news.
Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The canvas is based on the treatise of Dionysius the Areopagite, who for the first time described in detail the hierarchy of the heavenly army. Many authors before him tried to organize the heavenly powers by rank, but the church accepted the version of the Areopagite. Although the authorship of the treatises of the Christian theologian is still questioned.
Nine ranks
The saint writes that the first sphere of the heavenly world includes: Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. In the second - Dominance, Strength and Authority. In the third - Principalities, Archangels and Angels.
Seraphim
They are considered the highest rank in the heavenly army, which is close to God. From Hebrew, the concept of “seraphim” is translated as “flaming.” This is exactly how the prophet Isaiah described the creature from the first heavenly sphere.
Cherubim
The next oldest caste of higher beings is the cherubim. Translated from Hebrew - “intercessor”. The main purpose of the second rite is to intercede and pray before the face of the Lord for the souls of believers. In addition, the Creator determined that cherubim guard the Heavenly Book of Knowledge. They are the memory of the Universe.
Cherubim are subject to the secret meanings of God's sacraments. Among the other ranks, they are the most enlightened and have learned the boundless wisdom of the Creator. Cherubim, along with Seraphim and Thrones, have the power to send revelations and prophecies to people.
Thrones
The next order is located in front of the Lord. Their purpose is in God's justice. Thrones are believed to help human judges resolve conflicts fairly.
The medieval mystic Jan van Roosbroek believes that the first three orders of angels are forbidden to interfere in human conflicts. But in moments of knowing the boundless love of God and the beauty of the created world, they are always nearby.
Dominations
The second sphere of the heavenly hierarchy begins with them. These are managers. The life of the whole world depends on the wisdom and justice of the Dominions. The Holy Scripture says that their task is to help human rulers in the management and division of worldly goods.
Dominations are taught to conduct business impartially, regardless of rank. The highest wisdom that the angels of the second sphere teach is to faithfully serve the Lord and fight temptations, trusting in God’s mercy.
Powers
This is a heavenly order through which the power of the Creator is manifested. The forces work heavenly miracles. They are the ones who give people grace, the ability to foresee the future and heal illnesses. Believers turn to the Forces to strengthen their spirit and courage in the face of life's difficult adversities.
Authorities
The next army in the heavenly hierarchy was created by the Creator to fight evil. Under the authority of the Authorities:
- keeping the key to the devil's cage;
- holding back the infernal host;
- repelling attacks of demons from people;
- deliverance from temptations.
The authorities also monitor the strengthening of the spirit of the righteous and assistance in gaining the kingdom of God. During a person’s lifetime, this heavenly order helps to find God in the struggle of good against evil. They drive away evil thoughts and unclean thoughts. And after death they accompany the soul of the deceased to the Last Judgment.
Beginnings
The army is in charge of protecting the Universe and directing the lower angelic ranks to godly deeds. The Scripture says that every nation and even some rulers are assigned a personal mentor from the Elements. They make sure that people live in abundance and do not need anything, and that rulers strive to increase God’s glory and bring benefits to the people.
Other frequently asked questions about angels
4.1 Can we see angels?
Since angels are subtle beings, they are not visible to the ordinary human eye. They don't appear to us. They can only be seen using a developed sixth sense or extrasensory perception (ESP). They communicate with us by placing thoughts in our mind.
4.2 How many angels are there?
There are countless angels.
4.3 How close are angels to God?
Considering the relatively low spiritual level of angels (i.e. 29-34%), they are very far from God (a creature/person's spiritual level should be around 100% to be close to God).
4.4 Do angels have the power to answer our prayers and fulfill our worldly desires?
No, angels do not have the ability to answer prayers, i.e. they cannot help or do anything for people on their own. At best, they can guide people in worldly affairs by placing thoughts in their minds. This happens in about 5% of cases.
4.5 When we pray to angels, if they do not answer, then who answers our prayers?
Prayers are answered either by our departed ancestors or by ghosts. They use prayer and satisfy a person's little desires to gain his favor. This way they gain control over it and can satisfy their desires. In the process of fulfilling his desire, they envelop the person with their black energy. This gives them the opportunity to gain control over a person and cause him spiritual disturbance.
Refer to the article – Why are my deceased loved ones and my other ancestors causing me trouble?
4.6 Do angels protect us from negative energies?
Due to their low spiritual level, angels cannot fight even low level ghosts and therefore cannot protect us.
4.7 Are angels worthy of worship?
Since they cannot answer our prayers for spiritual growth, they are not worthy of worship.
Request for help
When contacting any angel, use a prayer that is easy to find in the Bible. A formal appeal to higher spiritual powers, even the most sincere, will remain unanswered.
Before turning to your personal heavenly intercessor, read a prayer to Archangel Michael - the first and most revered protector of people among the heavenly army. After it, contact your guardian angel.
Lord, Great God, King without beginning, send Your Archangel Michael to help Your servants (name). Protect us, Archangel, from all enemies, visible and invisible. Oh, Lord the Great Archangel Michael! Destroyer of demons, forbid all enemies fighting me, and make them like sheep, and humble their evil hearts, and crush them like dust in the face of the wind. Oh, Lord the Great Archangel Michael! Six-winged first Prince and Governor of the Heavenly Forces - Cherubim and Seraphim, be our helper in all troubles, sorrows, sorrows, a quiet refuge in the desert and on the seas. Oh, Lord the Great Archangel Michael! Deliver us from all the charms of the devil, when You hear us, sinners, praying to You and calling on Your Holy name. Hasten to our aid and overcome all who oppose us, by the power of the Honest and Life-giving Cross of the Lord, by the prayers of the Most Holy Theotokos, by the prayers of the Holy Apostles, St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Andrew, for Christ's sake, the Fool for the Fool, St. the prophet Elijah and all the holy great martyrs: St. martyrs Nikita and Eustathius, and all our reverend fathers, who have pleased God from the ages, and all the holy Heavenly Powers. Oh, Lord the Great Archangel Michael! Help us sinners (name) and deliver us from cowardice, flood, fire, sword and vain death, from great evil, from the flattering enemy, from the reviled storm, from the evil one always, now and ever, and forever and ever. Amen. Holy Archangel of God Michael, with Your lightning sword, drive away from me the evil spirit that tempts and torments me. Amen.
Fallen Archangel
Even before the creation of the world, the Creator created a cohort of archangels that always surrounded him. Chief among them was considered the beautiful Lucifer, whose name is translated as “luminous” and “bringer of light.” Together with Michael, the commander of the angelic army, he defended Paradise from dark forces.
But pride overwhelmed Lucifer and the desire to compare with God pushed the first among the heavenly defenders to betrayal. A third of the angels joined him, who also imagined themselves equal to the Creator, and a heavenly war began.
As a result of the battles, those who rebelled against the Creator fell. Since then, the name of Lucifer has been associated with evil, betrayal and temptation. Only through prayers and the acquisition of the Holy Spirit can one obtain angelic support in overcoming evil. This is the meaning of the life of a true Christian: keeping the holy commandments and trusting in God's mercy. And helping people in the fight against evil is the purpose of angels and archangels.
Tags: Angelology, Poltergeist
About the author: Evgeniy Tukubaev
The right words and your faith are the key to success in the perfect ritual. I will provide you with information, but its implementation directly depends on you. But don’t worry, a little practice and you will succeed!
- Related Posts
- Cherubim: the meaning of angels in Judaism and Christianity
- Angelic ranks and features of the heavenly hierarchy
- Archangel Gabriel: history, his role in Judaism, Islam and Christianity
« Previous entry
