The Angels & ArchangelsMichael (The Prince of Light) Michael holds the highest rank of all the Archangels and is possibly the most famous of them all. He mightily protects and defends all that is loving and good. He leads the other legions of angels in the battle against evil and the fallen angels. Michael most often appears to those who are sick or near death. Gabriel (The Wings of Life )
Gabriel is second ranking to Michael, but just as well known. Although angelic beings are genderless, Gabriel is the only Archangel who has appeared in a distinctly female form. The celestial co-ordinator works with cherubim to ensure that all the other orders of angels run smoothly. Gabriel usually appears to people when they are on the brink of a new beginning, especially a conception or birth. for this reason, she has been called 'the Angel of Life', giving the gift of Life to humankind in the physical sense. She delivers this gift of Life in an abstract form also - such as in dreams or celestial knowledge. Gabriel always brings good news. Raphael (The Healing Sun)Raphael manages the Virtues order of Angels. He is affectionately known for his healing powers and saving people from danger. He is also said to protect travelers, rescuing those in unfamiliar territory. Raphael usually appears when people are wounded or in pain. He also comforts those in spiritual pain or emotional ordeals. He has been called the 'Angel of the sun' due to his ability to rekindle the spark of life in sick bodies. His reputation for 'medical miracles' has also earned him the title 'Angel of Science and Knowledge'. He is described as friendly, amusing, gentle and kind - he is therefore the Archangel best suited to overseeing the host of guardian angels. Uriel (The Fire of the Soul )
As Raphael embodies love and compassion, Uriel is the opposite. The fourth major Archangel confronts the souls of those who have erred or strayed from their spiritual path. He is known therefore as 'The Angel of Repentence'. This Archangel you do not want to meet! In his fearful image, he oversees terror and thunder. Fortunately, he has a lighter side and is also known as 'The Angel of Music and Poetry'. This beautiful creativity compensates the darker side of human nature that he has to deal with. He is usually depicted holding a flame or a fiery sword. The Minor Archangels Raquel (Friend of God)He is the angel who took Enoch to heaven. Raguel is an angel of earth, a guard of the 2nd (or 4th) Heaven, and watching over the good behavior of his fellow angels. He "takes vengeance on the world of luminaries," which is interpreted to mean that, for cause, he brings other angels to account. Raguel is also mentioned as being an angel of ice and snow, calling forth other angels during the Final Judgment to deal with the unpure. Sariel We know about Sariel from the Book of Enoch. He is the angel responsible for disciplining the angels who misbehave. In some traditions it is believed that he was the angel who taught Moses. Remiel (Angel of Hope)
Remiel is known as the Angel of Hope. The name Remeil means "God raises up," which gives a clue as to his main task -- leading souls to heaven. Remeil has the primary duty to bring souls Hope. He is also in charge of 'true celestial visions' which he helps humans interpret. Angel Hierarchy
First Triad Second Triad Third Triad Principalities Archangels Angels
There is a celestial hierarchy, or holy order, of angels. There are nine choirs of angels, which are arranged into three groups or triads.
First Triad
The angels in the first triad are the angels who are always in the presence of God. Thy are known as "God's faithful angels." These angels never come down to earth.
SERAPHIM
The seraphim are beings of perfect light who shine so brilliantly that few humans could ever look at them. They are the angels of love, but also the angels of light and fire. Seraphim are the closest to God. Is said that the light they give off is so intense, that not even other divine beings may look upon them.
CHERUBIM
The cherubim are the guardians of the stars and the path to the Tree of Life. The word cherubim means "those who pray," "those who intercede," and "fullness of knowledge. "They are ready to provide us with protection and knowledge when we are ready to receive it. The second highest Order of Angels. Their name stands for "Wisdom" or "one who prays." The Cherubim were also known as the record keepers of Heaven. They were not described as the cute little "cupid like" angels depicted by painters, but instead as having four wings.
THRONES
The third ranking Order of Angels. The Thrones act as God's transportation. Their task is the transfer of positive energy. They focus this energy to reveal injustices and send healing energy to people who need it. Interesting enough, but usually through our personal guardian angels. They were considered Angels of Justice as they were said to carry out God's decisions. They were described in Ezekiel 1:13-19 as having four wings and four faces. They sparkled like the color of burnished brass. They had the hands of a man under their wings.
Second Triad
The angels of the Second Triad are the organizing and ministering angels. They are more concerned with the universe than individuals, but have been known to assist on earth when required.
DOMINATIONS
The fourth ranking Order of Angels. The Dominions make sure that every angel is fully utilized. They carry out the orders given by the angels of the First Triad and carry orbs and scepters as symbols of their authority and have been described as wearing long albs, or gowns reaching to their feet, hitched with a
golden belt and adorned with a green sole. At other times they are said to carry golden staffs in the right hand and the Seal of God in the left.
VIRTUES
The fifth ranking Order of Angels. They have been called "The Brilliant or Shining Ones." The Virtues provide strength, courage, and motivation. They provide spiritual energy when needed and enable people to achieve much more than they think they can. They were called the Angels of miracles, encouragement,
and blessings, and were particularly involved with people struggling with their faith. Virtues have been said to be the chief bestows of grace and valor.
POWERS
The sixth ranking Order of Angels. Powers have been credited as being the first Order of Angels created by God. responsible for maintaining the border between Heaven and Earth. The Powers protect heaven and are considered to be warrior angels. They also help us decide between right and wrong, and ensure that the
laws of the universe stay in operation. Acting as a sort of elite guard, they constantly watch for demonic attack, and are the major line of defense and battle during heavenly warfare. It is their duty to protect the world from the infiltration of demons. They protect our souls from these evil beings and act as ministers of God who avenge evil in the world. It was also believed that at death, the Powers guided our transition to Heaven.
Third Triad
The angels in the in the Third Triad are the ones who are most involved with life on earth.
PRINCIPALITIES
The seventh ranking Order of Angels. The Principalities were described as the Angels who protect religions. They were also considered to be the guardians over the nations and the leaders of the world. The Principalities have the task of looking after continents, nations, cities, and any other large groups. They constantly transfer information to and from heaven. They also have the task of ensuring that our world leaders receive good advice and act wisely. As such, they are assumed to be given more freedom to act than the lesser angels below them and are responsible for carrying out divine acts concerning their area of jurisdiction. Finally, they are given to the task of managing the duties of the angels. Principalities have been described as being dressed in soldier's uniforms with golden girdles.
ARCHANGELS
The eighth ranking Order of Angels. These were considered to be the Angels in command of ministering to humans. They are also the most widely known Order of Angels, since the only Angels mentioned by name in the Bible (Michael, Gabriel, and Raphael) come from thiOrder. The archangels are God's most important messengers. They carry God's messages to humans and are ultimately in command of God's Armies of Angels who are constantly in spiritual warfare with the forces of evil and the fallen angels.
ANGELS
The ninth ranking Order of Angels. Angels are the Order closest to humanity. The angels are assigned to individuals and are often referred to as guardian angels. They are present at our birth, stay with us throughout life, and help us at the end of this incarnation. The guardian angels work with all the other angels in the nine choirs. When we need help, our guardian angels can obtain it from any other angel or from God. The word angel means "messenger." . Angels watch over households and individual souls, guiding them subtlety and keeping them safe from demonic attack. Also, they are the carriers of God's word to mankind, acting as messengers and couriers to both God and the upper ranks of angel-kind as well.
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