Contents
Angel Hierarchy
Seraphim
Cherubim (Plural of Cherub)
Thrones
Dominions or Dominations
Virtues
Powers
Principalities
Archangels
Angels
Angels in Other Religions
Angel Hierarchy
In Catholicism, the hierarchy of angels is traditionally organized as three triads:
First triad: This group is closest to God. It includes Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones.
Second triad: These are the heavenly governors. This group includes Dominions, Virtues and Powers.
Third triad: Closest to humanity, this triad includes Principalities, Archangels, and Angels.
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1. Seraphim
Seraphim means "the fiery ones." It is the plural of the word "seraph." These angels are mentioned in
the Bible as having faces, hands and feet. Each seraph has six wings, four of which they used to cover
themselves in the presence of God as a sign of humility; they use the other two to fly. They cry out "holy,
holy, holy" and appear to worship God continuously. They are often depicted in religious art.
These are the angels who are closest to God. They encircle his throne and emit an intense, fiery light
representing his love. Seraphim are considered "fiery serpents," and not even the other divine beings
may look at them. There are only four of them, and each has four faces. When they come to Earth, they
leave their serpent appearance behind, preferring tall, thin, clean-cut human embodiments.
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2. Cherubim (Plural of Cherub)
These angels are the keepers of celestial records and hold the knowledge of God. They are sent to Earth
with great tasks, such as expelling humankind from the Garden of Eden. Ancient art depicts cherubim as
sphinx-like, winged creatures with human faces, not the fat babies with wings that now grace greeting
cards and book covers. Ophaniel, Rikbiel and Zophiel are cherubim, as was Satan before his fall to evil.
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3. Thrones
Thrones' appearance is perhaps the most bizarre of the first grouping. They are said to look like great
glowing wheels covered with many eyes. They serve as God's chariot and dispense his judgment in order
to carry out his desires for us.
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4. Dominions or Dominations
The angels in the second group can exist in a state of transition between the celestial and human worlds.
They are considered heavenly governors, attempting to strike a balance between matter and spirit, good
and bad.
Think of dominions as middle management. They receive orders from seraphim and cherubim, then dish
out duties to the "worker bee" angels of the lower orders. Their main purpose is to make sure that the
cosmos remains in order by sending down power to heads of government and other authority figures.
Zadkiel (sometimes called Hashmal) is the chief of this order.
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5. Virtues
Shaped like sparks of light, virtues are in charge of maintaining the natural world, and they inspire living
things in areas such as science. They also take orders from the angels above and convert them into
miracles for the deserving. When they make themselves known to us in their earthly forms, they are
musicians, artists, healers and scientists who work with the power of love, as well as physics. The two
angels at the ascension of Jesus are believed to have been virtues.
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6. Powers
In their celestial forms, powers appear like brightly colored, hazy fumes. Powers are border patrol
agents between heaven and Earth. They are the angels of birth and death. Some believe that they also
preside over demons who wish to overthrow the world, while others, namely St. Paul, thought the
powers themselves were the evil ones. In any case, powers are a group of experts who serve as advisers
in terms of religion, theology and ideology.
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7. Principalities
The third group of angels is the one ordinary humans will have the most interaction with. First in this
group are the principalities. These angelic beings are shaped like rays of light. Just like a principal in
school, the principalities oversee everything. They guide our entire world — nations, cities and towns.
What's more, they are in charge of religion and politics. As if their plate isn't full enough, they are also in
charge of managing the earthly duties of the angels below them.
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8. Archangels
These, along with the angels, are guardians of people and all things physical. But don't call on them to
help you personally; archangels respond best when dealing with matters involving all humankind, such
as justice. This order is most commonly known because some are mentioned by name in the Bible —
Michael, Gabriel and Raphael. Archangels engage in spiritual warfare by fighting against demons (e.g.,
Michael) or bring messages from God, such as when Gabriel came to Mary to tell her that she was going
to be the mother of Jesus. It is believed there are only seven archangels.
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9. Angels
These might just be called "regular angels." They are guardians of people and all things physical and are
the most common type of angels. These angels are sent as messengers to humanity. Personal guardian
angels come from this category. Angels may protect and warn humans, as well as act as warriors on
behalf of God.
