Our celestial hierarchy is divided into nine ranks. Within these ranks are three orders. In the first order those nearest to God are known as the Cherubim, Seraphim, and Thrones. The second order consists of the Powers or Virtues and Dominions. The last order is made up of Angels, Archangels, and Principalities.
DOMINIONS, VIRTUES and the POWERS
The DOMINIONS are so named because being themselves free they dominate over the rest of the angels which follow behind them. Having abandoned servile fear as St Dionysius the Areopagite says, they voluntarily and with joy serve God unceasingly. Also they send down power for prudent governing and wise management to authorities on the earth set up by God. Further they teach how to control the senses, how to subdue in oneself dissolute desires and passions, how to enslave the flesh to the spirit, and how to rule over one’s will and be above all temptations. Reigning at the top of this spectrum, existing in the realm closest to God, are the seraphim, characterized by their fiery love, which is said to reflect onto the lesser ranks of angels. Cherubim are associated with intellect. They share a deep insight into God’s secrets and understand the requirements of salvation. Thrones symbolize submission and peace, and they help people to abide by God’s will. By tradition, God rests on them and imparts His Spirit, which they pass on to lesser angels and to mankind. The powers, by tradition, are the favorite of mortals, assigned to fight evil spirits and defeat their plans.
The VIRTUES the usual translation of the name of this order of angels as “virtues” is readily misleading if the old meaning of the word “virtue” as “power” or “force”, especially as regards to divine beings is not remembered. Note of translator. Filled with divine strength, quickly fulfilling the will of the our Omnipotent Lord, strong and powerful. They both work great miracles and send down the grace of miracles working through God’s saints who are worthy of such grace. In order that these may work miracles, such as healing sickness and prophecy. The holy virtues also help people labor and feel unburdened by earthly plights. By which their names “virtues” is explained, and they bear the infirmities of the weak. They also strengthen every man in patience so that he does not fall away in affliction but rather bears all misfortune with a strong spirit, courageously and with humility, giving thanks for everything to God, arranging our lifetime for the beenfit for learning.
The POWERS are so called because they have power over the Devil. In order to restrain the power of the demonic, to repulse the temptations brought upon people by them and to prevent the demons from harming anyone to the degree that they would wish. The powers strengthen the good ascetics in spiritual struggles and labors, protecting them so that they may not be deprived of the spiritual kingdom. They help those wrestling with passions and vices to cast out evil ones and slanders of the enemy and to conquer the Devil.
PRINCIPALITIES, the ARCHANGELS, and the ANGELS
The PRINCIPALITIES are named thus because they have command over the lower angels, directing them to the fulfilment of divine orders. The management of the universe and the keeping of all the kingdoms and princedoms, of lands and all peoples, races and nations, is also entrusted to them since each kingdom, race and people have for themselves a special deeper and manager from the heavenly order called the principalities, for all their country. Further, the service of this angelic order (according to the explanation of St Gregory the Dialogist) consists in teaching the people to requite each person in authority according to his calling. Principalities rule over the lowest hierarchy, guarding countries and charged with making announcements to mankind. They govern souls and bodies. Finally, the angels of this order raise worthy people to various honorable offices and direct them so that they take power not for the sake of their own gain and benefit, nor for the sake of love of honor and vain renown, but for the sake of honor from God, for the sake of spreading and augmenting of His holy glory, and for the sake of the benefit of their neighbors – as serving the general needs of all their subordinates.
The ARCHANGELS are called the great heralds of good news, announcing the great and most glorious. Their service (as the great Dionysius the Aeropagite says) consists in revealing prophecies, knowledge, and understanding of God’s will which they receive from the higher orders of angels and announce to the lower order, i.e.. the angels, and through them, to men. St Gregory the Dialogist says that the archangels strengthen people in the holy faith, enlightening their mind with the light of knowledge of the holy Gospel and revealing the mysteries of devout faith.
The ANGELS are the lowest of all the orders in the heavenly hierarchy and the closest to mankind. They announce the lesser mysteries and intentions of God and teach people to live virtuously and righteously before. They are appointed to guard each of us who believe and this lasts a lifetime. They sustain virtuous people from the fallen and never leave us. They stand ready to follow where God sends them. They can also be used in the process of intercession to prevent and earthly death. They are always ready to help us with decisions, healing, protection and journey of deepening our Union with God.
All of the heavenly orders are also called by the common name of “Angels”. Although they have different names according to their situation and grace given by God (such as Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones and the rest of the orders). In general these celestial beings are called angels because the word “angel” is not a denomination but an essence. You can call upon your guardian Angel whenever you feel despair or fear may overpower you. They are with you from the time of your birth until the hour of your death.
