The ranks of angels are an important part of Christian culture. After all, even in heaven there is a strict hierarchy.
We will help you understand angelic chinaz in this article.
The ranks of angels - what are they and why are they needed
The kingdom of God is like any organization. If these words seem blasphemous to you, then think - where did people get their structure of society? God made man in his own image and likeness, which means he gave us a hierarchy. Moreover, let us remember that Archangel Michael bears the title of Archangel, that is, the commander-in-chief of the heavenly host. This alone can say that the ranks of angels really exist.
Ancient icon Image of St. Michael the Archangel, the leader of the Heavenly Host. Russia XIX century.
What are they created for? As in any organization, so in heaven there must be a chain of command. Without it, the organization will be in disorder, anarchy. And just for refusing to obey, the angel Lucifer was expelled. And remember that each of the angels has its own, so to speak, field of activity. So, without a clear hierarchy, it is simply impossible to establish order in such a structure. In general, the nine angelic ranks were created by God precisely in order to manage the heavenly kingdom as efficiently as possible.
The Creator, naturally, is endowed with unlimited power and possibilities - how else would he create the whole world? But it should be understood that even he sometimes needs to get distracted from one problem in order to tackle another. Moreover, the real world is too fragile to withstand the direct intervention of a deity. Let's not forget about the Archangel Gabriel, who is the Voice of God. After all, if the Creator turns to a person directly, then he simply will not withstand the power of the true voice and will die. This is why God needs help. Excess power imposes its limits.
Nine angelic ranks
Yes, this seemingly monolithic organization has its own problems. At least once a split was brewing among the angels. But it happened because of the first fallen angel, who was able to win over a few rioters. From this we can conclude that the basis of the problems is not in the reasonableness of the hierarchy, which no one questions. The problem is that only the Lord himself can be perfect in this world. Even Adam and Eve, his beloved children, succumbed to the temptations of the Serpent. Yes, you can make a discount on the freedom of choice presented to them. But if their souls were completely pure, then the flattering speeches of the Enemy would not have had their destructive effect.
If we sum up all of the above, it turns out that there is nothing in Heaven without hierarchy. Everything is like people. But is it really any wonder? Unlikely. Any organization is called upon to exclude, so to speak, the human factor. In our case, it is angelic. It doesn't always work out, but how could it be otherwise? Even a perfect being like God can have mistakes.
9 angelic ranks of the heavenly hierarchy
We have already spoken about how many angelic ranks there are in the Christian religion. There are 9 angelic ranks. Now let's figure it out in essence - what are the angelic ranks and their names? You need to start the story with the fact that the ranks are divided into triads of angels. They were created for a reason - each triad unites a certain group of angels. The first is those who are directly close to the Lord. The second - emphasizes the divine basis of the universe and world domination. The third is those who are directly close to humanity. Let's dwell on each in more detail.
Angelic ranks in Orthodoxy
The first triad consists of seraphim, cherubim, and thrones. Seraphim are the closest beings to God. These six-winged creatures live in constant motion. They are often confused with muses, which can also kindle the fire of life in the souls of mortals. But at the same time, seraphim can scorch a person with their heat. Cherubim are guardian angels. It is of them that the protection of the tree of life, which appeared after the expulsion of Adam and Eve, consists. The first representatives of the great Mistrust, because before the Exile, the tree did not need to be protected. Thrones are not part of the interior. They are the third order of the first triad, they are often called the Mirrors of Wisdom. They reflect divine providence, and with their help, heavenly souls can predict the future.
The second triad includes forces, dominance and power. Forces are engaged in transferring a particle of divine power to mortals. They help in difficult times to take hold of the head, so to speak, and not to despair. Dominions - the middle rank in the angelic hierarchy, personify the craving for freedom and independence, inform people of the craving to remove themselves from inequality. Power is the rank that closes the second triad. In some texts, the Gospel, for example, it is said that the authorities can be both helpers of good and henchmen of evil. They carry out manifestations of divine power in the world of people.
The third triad completes the hierarchy ladder. It includes beginnings, archangels and angels. The beginnings are the angelic order that governs the human Hierarchies. There is a version that it was with their permission that the monarchs were anointed. Archangels are senior angels who rule over the angels themselves. As an example - the archangel Michael the archangel, the head of the angelic army. Angels are the ones who are most involved in the lives of people. They bring news from God, fight in his name, give him honor and glory.
These are all angelic ranks that exist in the Christian religion. In different interpretations, there can be a different number of them, from 9 to 11. But the most reliable is the one that is mentioned in the works of Dionysius by the Areopagite. They were written in the late 5th or early 6th century. It is a collection of research texts aimed at bringing clarity to the lives of heavenly beings. The theologian asked difficult questions and tried to answer them as clearly as possible. He did it. The key to this success was the spirituality of the researcher and the most powerful power of thought. He read many texts just to satisfy his and our curiosity. We can say that the theologian simply summed up everything that was written before him. And this is true, but in part. Even such a seemingly simple work required a titanic effort.
Angelic ranks in Orthodoxy
There is a difference between Orthodox and Catholic cultures. She also touched upon those roles that are assigned to the angelic ranks. Yes, if you look at it in general, the differences will not be conspicuous. All the same, albeit different confessions, but the same religion. What is the difference between the angelic ranks in Orthodoxy?
All 9 angelic ranks are depicted in the "Assumption" by Francesco Botticini.
First, there are no triads in the Orthodox religion. There are degrees. There are also three of them, and they are called - Higher, Middle, Lower. They differ among themselves by their "remoteness" from the divine throne. This in no way suggests that God loves the Lower Degree less than the Upper Degree. Of course not. It's just that if the first is in direct contact with people, doing the will of God, then mortals hardly see the second.
The next big difference is the degree of personalization. In Orthodoxy, individual angelic personalities appear more often. They are honored as patrons and guardians. In Catholicism, this happens much less often. Although here, like Catholics, there are 9 angels, 9 angelic ranks. Both denominations used the same texts, and small differences can be attributed to different interpretations. Cherubic angels, for example, display wisdom rather than guardianship. They have the highest spiritual wisdom, they can use it. For the good, of course, prompting your fellows how best to fulfill this or that command of the Lord.
Let us dwell on the last degree, the lower angelic rank, their description and meaning. In Orthodoxy, they are given the most attention, because they are often shown to people. Some of the highest archangels are given names such as Michael, Gabriel, Raphael. Ordinary angels communicate most closely with people, even become personal guardians and intercessors. Guardian angels take custody of every mortal, guiding and helping him, pushing him along the path of God's Plan, the so-called Great Plan.
Angels are invisible, immortal, but as much as the human soul is invisible and immortal. That is, to the extent that God allows them this prosperity. In Orthodoxy, angels are associated with two elements - fire and air. With fire, they cleanse sinners, carry divine wrath, retribution. And they are like the wind, because they are carried along the earth with great speed, in order to perform the highest will as quickly as possible.
Angelic ranks are an important part of the heavenly kingdom, because without them there will be no order, discipline. It is with their help that it becomes clear how the hierarchy of divine essences works. It was from them that humanity received an understanding of how their own society should work.
People have known about the existence of angels since time immemorial: all peoples and in many spiritual traditions believed in them. Holy Scripture once again mentions the action of angels who fulfill God's commands in the world and protect righteous people with their veil. In addition to Scripture, the holy fathers also left a lot of information about angels: heavenly beings appeared to them more than once and transmitted God's Will - after all, it is not for nothing that God sends them proclaim Their orders, and that is why they are called angels, i.e. messengers.
God endowed the angels with rich gifts. They are endowed with strength and power, with the help of which they can act on the physical plane: to influence the bodies of people and the world of things. However, angels never do according to their own will, but always only fulfill God's Will.
God's angels love their Creator with all their being and abide in unceasing praise and thanksgiving singing to Him: they thank and glorify God for the bliss in which, by His grace, they abide. The bliss in which the angels abide cannot be compared with anything earthly: people who experience human bliss in rare moments of their human happiness can feel only a dim reflection of the angelic bliss.
Although there are countless angels, there is a strict order and subordination between them - the angelic hierarchy.
Angelic heavenly hierarchy
The angelic hierarchy in Christianity includes nine faces, which include three orders, and the Glory of God is poured out on the angels from higher faces to lower ones:
- 1st order of angels - seraphim, cherubim, thrones;
- 2nd order of angels - domination, strength, power;
- 3rd order of angels - beginnings, archangels, angels
The angelic ranks are subordinate to one another and are in perfect harmony. And although the ranks and faces of the angels have their own names, they are all called by a common word angels.
Seraphim are closest to God, their name means "fire of divine love." The seraphim are inflamed with this divine love and impart it to other faces - this is their task and purpose.
Cherubim: This name means "fullness of knowledge, abundance of wisdom." Cherubim know absolutely everything that God makes known to created beings. Cherubim enlighten others: through them wisdom is sent to other beings for the knowledge of God.
Of thrones the spirits are called, on which God Himself sits in an incomprehensible way and administers His righteous judgment. Thrones help earthly rulers, sovereigns and judges to administer justice.
Domination manage other ranks, teach to control feelings, subdue passions, subordinate the flesh to the spirit. Dominions have power over evil spirits.
Forces- the spirits through which God works His miracles. God endowed these angels with His power and omnipotence.
Authorities have power over the forces of evil, can repel the attacks of the evil one, divert misfortunes from people and drive away evil thoughts.
Beginnings God has entrusted the management of the universe and the protection of all kingdoms, states, peoples, tribes and languages. Every country, every people and tribe has a certain angel assigned to it from the order of beginnings for guidance, protection and admonition. The beginnings are a kind of guardian angels, but not for one person, but for a certain group.
Archangels- great evangelists. They utter prophecies, proclaim the Will of God to the lower angels, and through them - to people. Archangels strengthen people's faith and enlighten the mind. The most famous of the archangels - Michael, Gabriel, Uriel (aka Jeremiel), Selafiel, Jehudiel and Barachiel - are actually archangels in order, and seraphim, and the highest of all seraphim, are closest to God. They are called archangels because they are the leaders of all angelic powers. And the supreme leader over all, all angels by God has been placed by the Archangel (i.e., the leader, the senior warrior) MICHAEL.
Angels are closest to people. Each person has his own guardian angel - a patron and protector, his closest spiritual mentor, the connection with whom must be maintained and strengthened.
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The basis for the creation of the church doctrine of angels is the writtenin the 5th century the book of Dionysius the Areopagite "On the Heavenly Hierarchy" (Greek "Περί της ουρανίας", Lat. "De caelesti hierarchia"), better known in the 6th century edition. The nine angelic ranks are divided into three triads, each of which has its own peculiarity.
First triad – seraphim, cherubim and thrones - characterized by close proximity to God;
Second triad – strength, domination and power - emphasizes the divine basis of the universe and world domination;
Third triad – beginnings, archangels and angels proper - characterized by close proximity to humans.
Dionysius summed up what had been accumulated before him. Seraphim, cherubim, powers and angels are already mentioned in the Old Testament; in the New Testament, dominions, beginnings, thrones, authorities and archangels appear.
According to the classification of Gregory the Theologian (4th century)the angelic hierarchy consists of angels, archangels, thrones, dominions, origins, powers, radiance, ascents and understandings.
According to their position in the hierarchy, ranks are arranged as follows:
seraphim - first
cherubim - second
thrones - third
domination - fourth
strength - fifth
authorities - the sixth
beginning - seventh
archangels - eighth
angels - ninth.
Jewish hierarchical structures differ from Christian ones, since they appeal only to the first part of the Bible - the Old Testament (Tanahu). One source has ten ranks of angels, starting with the highest: 1.Hayot; 2.ofanim; 3.arelim; 4.hashmalim; 5. seraphim; 6. malakim, actually "angels"; 7. elohim; 8. ben Elohim ("sons of God"); 9. cherubim; 10. ishim.
At Maseket Azilut ten angelic ranks are given in a different order:1.seraphim led by Shemuel or Yehoel; 2.Ofanim, headed by Raphael and Ofhaniel; 3. cherubim, headed by Kerubiel; 4. Shinanim, over whom were placed Tzedekiel and Gabriel; 5. tarshishim, whose chiefs are Tarshish and Sabriel; 6. Ishim with Cefaniel at the head; 7. Hashmalim, whose leader is called Hashmal; 8. Malakim, headed by Uzziel; 9. ben Elohim led by Hofniel; 10. Arelim, which is headed by Michael himself.
The names of the older angels (archangels) vary from source to source. Traditionally, the highest rank is attributed to Michael, Gabriel and Raphael - three angels named by name in the biblical books; the fourth is usually added to them Uriel, found in the non-canon 3 Book of Ezra. There is a widespread idea that there are seven higher angels (associated with the magical properties of the number 7), attempts to list them by name have been made since the time of 1 Book of Enoch, but there are too great discrepancies. We will restrict ourselves to listing the "magnificent seven" adopted in the Orthodox tradition: these are Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salafiel, Jehudiel, Barahiel, Jeremiel, headed by the eighth - Michael.
The Jewish tradition also assigns an extremely high position to the archangel Metatron, who in earthly life was the patriarch Enoch, but in heaven he turned into an angel. He is the vizier of the heavenly court and almost a substitute for God Himself.
1. Seraphim
Seraphim are angels of love, light and fire. They occupy the highest position in the hierarchy of ranks and serve God, caring for his throne. Seraphim express their love for God by constantly singing psalms of praise.
In Hebrew tradition, the endless chanting of the seraphim is known as"Trisagion" - Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh ("Holy, Holy, Holy Lord of the Forces of Heaven, the whole earth is full of his radiance"), considered a song of creation and celebration. Being the closest creatures to God, seraphim are also considered "fiery" because they are enveloped in the flame of eternal love.
According to the medieval mystic Jan van Ruisbrock, the three orders of seraphim, cherubim and thrones never take part in human conflicts, but are with us when we peacefully contemplate God and experience constant love in our hearts. They give rise to divine love in people.
Saint John the Evangelist on the island of Patmos had a vision of angels: Gabriel, Metatron, Kemuil and Nathaniel among the seraphim.
Isaiah is the only prophet who mentions seraphim in the Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament) when he talks about his vision of fiery angels over the throne of God: "Each had six wings: two covered their face, two covered their legs, and two were used for flight."
Another mention of the seraphim can be considered the book of Numbers (21: 6), where the reference to "fiery serpents" is given. According to the Second Book of Enoch (apocryphal), seraphim have six wings, four heads and faces.
Lucifer came out of the rank of seraphim. In fact, the Fallen Prince was considered an angel who overshadowed everyone else until he lost God's Grace.
Seraphim - In Judaistic and Christian mythologyangels especially close to God.The Prophet Isaiah describes them as follows: “In the year of the death of King Uzziah, I saw the Lord sitting on a high throne, and the edges of His robe filled the entire temple. Seraphim stood around Him; each of them had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his legs, and with two he flew. And they cried out to one another and said: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts! The whole earth is full of His glory / "(Isa. 6. 1-3). According to the classification of Pseudo-Dionysius, together with the cherubs and thrones, the seraphim belong to the first triad:
closeness to God ... as for the name of the Seraphim, it clearly shows their incessant and everlasting striving for the Divine, their ardor and swiftness, their ardent, constant, unremitting and unswerving impetuosity, as well as their ability to really elevate the lower ones into the heights, excite and inflame them to such heat: it also signifies ability, scorching and burning. thereby purifying them - always open. their inextinguishable, constantly identical, light-reflecting and enlightening power. chasing away and exterminating all defilement.
2. Cherubim
Word "Cherub" means "fullness of knowledge" or "outpouring of wisdom."This choir has the power to know and contemplate God and the ability to understand and impart divine knowledge to others.
3. Thrones
Term "Thrones", or "many-eyed", indicates their proximity to the throne of God.This is the closest order to God: they receive both their divine perfection and consciousness directly from Him.
Pseudo-Dionysius reports:
“So, justly, higher beings are consecrated into the first of the heavenly Hierarchies, since it has a higher order, especially because the first Epiphany and consecration are originally related to it, as to the closest to God,
heavenly Minds because these names express their God-like properties ... The name of the highest Thrones means that they
completely free from any earthly attachment and, constantly rising above the valley, strive prematurely towards the higher, with all their might
motionless and firmly attached to the truly Highest being,
accepting His Divine suggestion in complete dispassion and insubstantiality; also signifies that they bear God and subserviently fulfill the Divine to His commands.
4. Dominance
Dominion saints are empowered enough to rise above and free from earthly desires and aspirations.It is their responsibility to distribute the responsibilities of the angels.
According to Pseudo-Dionysius, “the significant name of the holy Dominions ... means a certain uncomfortable and free from any low attachment to the earthly elevation to the higher, not a single violent attraction to something dissimilar to them, in no case shaken, but constant dominion in its freedom, standing higher of any humiliating slavery, alien to any humiliation, withdrawn from all inequality to oneself, constantly striving for true Domination and, as much as possible, sacredly transforming into a likeness perfect to Him both itself and everything subordinate to it, not clinging to anything accidentally existing, but always wholly turning to the true being and incessantly joining the sovereign God-likeness "
5. Forces
The forces known as "glittering or shining" are angels of miracles, help, blessings that appear during battles in the name of faith.It is believed that David received the support of the Forces to fight Goliath.
The powers are also the angels from whom Abraham received his power when God told him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. The main responsibilities of these angels are to perform miracles on Earth.
They are allowed to interfere with everything about physical laws on earth, but they are also responsible for enforcing those laws. By this rank, the fifth in the Hierarchy of Angels, valor is given to humanity as well as mercy.
Pseudo-Dionysius says: “The name of the holy Powers means a certain powerful and invincible courage, as far as possible, imparted to them, reflected in all their God-like actions in order to remove from themselves everything that could diminish and weaken the Divine illumination given to them, strongly striving for imitation of God, not remaining idle from laziness, but unswervingly looking at the highest and all-strengthening Power and, as far as possible, in its own strength making Her image, completely turned to Her as a source of Forces and God-like descending to the lower powers to impart power to them. "
6. Authorities
Authority is on the same level as dominion and power, and is endowed with authority and intelligence second only to God. They provide the balance of the universe.
According to the Gospels, authorities can be both good forces and minions of evil. Among the nine angelic ranks, the authorities close the second triad, which, in addition to them, also includes dominions and powers. As Pseudo-Dionysius says, “the name of the holy Powers signifies an equal to the Divine Dominions and Powers, an orderly and capable of receiving Divine insights, and the device of premium spiritual dominion, which does not use autocratic powers for evil given sovereign powers, but freely and respectfully to the Divine as itself ascending and others sacred to Him leading and, as much as possible, likening to the Source and Giver of all power and depicting Him ... in a completely true use of his dominion power. "
7. Beginnings
The beginnings are legions of angels defending religion.They constitute the seventh choir in the hierarchy of Dionysius, next immediately before the archangels. The beginnings give strength to the peoples of the Earth to find and survive their destiny.
They are also believed to be the guardians of the peoples of the world. The choice of this term, as well as the term "power", to designate the ranks of the angels of God is somewhat doubtful, since c. The Epistles to the Ephesians call “the spirits of wickedness in heaven”, against whom Christians must fight (Ephesians 6:12), “principalities and powers”.
Among those who are considered "main" in this rank are Nisrok, the Assyrian deity, who is considered by occult writings to be the main prince - the demon of hell, and Anail is one of the seven angels of creation.
The Bible says: “For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
Beginnings, neither Forces, nor the present, nor the future ... cannot separate us
from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 8.38). By
classification of Pseudo-Dionysius. beginnings are part of the third triad
along with the archangels and the angels proper. Pseudo-Dionysius says:
“The name of the heavenly Principalities means the God-like ability to command and govern in accordance with the sacred order, befitting the commanding Powers, both completely referring to the Beginning Without a Beginning, and others, as it is characteristic of the Administration, to guide Him, to mark in oneself, as far as possible, the image of an inaccurate Beginning, etc. finally, the ability to express His premium leadership in the well-being of the commanding Powers ... all Hierarchies, begins through communication and pours out in the most sacred harmonious order. "
8. Archangels
Archangels - The word is of Greek origin and is translated as "angelic leaders", "senior angels".The term "Archangels" appears for the first time in the Greek-speaking Jewish literature of the pre-Christian time (Greek edition of the "Book of Enoch" 20, 7) as a transfer of expressions like ("Grand Duke") in the attachment to Michael of the Old Testament texts (Dan. 12, 1); then this term is perceived by New Testament authors (Jude 9; 1 Thess. 4:16) and later Christian literature. According to the Christian heavenly hierarchy, they sit directly above the angels. The religious tradition has seven archangels. The main one here is Michael the Archangel (Greek "supreme military leader") - the leader of the armies of angels and people in their universal battle with Satan. Michael's weapon is a fiery sword.
Archangel Gabriel - best known for his participation in the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary of the birth of Jesus Christ. As a messenger of the innermost secrets of the world, he is depicted with a flowering branch, with a mirror (reflection is also a way of knowing), and sometimes with a candle inside the lamp - the same symbol of the hidden mystery.
Archangel Raphael - known as a heavenly healer and comforter of the afflicted.
Less commonly, four other archangels are mentioned.
Uriel is a heavenly fire, the patron saint of those who have devoted themselves to the sciences and arts.
Salafiel - the name of the supreme minister with whom prayer inspiration is associated. On icons he is painted in a prayer pose, with his hands folded crosswise on his chest.
Archangel Yehudiel - blesses the ascetics, protects them from the forces of evil. In his right hand he has a golden crown as a symbol of blessing, in his left - a scourge that drives away enemies.
Barachiel - the role of distributor of the highest blessings is assigned to ordinary workers, first of all to farmers. He is depicted with pink flowers.
The Old Testament tradition also speaks of the seven heavenly archangels. Their ancient Iranian parallel is the seven good spirits of Amesha Spenta("Immortal saints") finds a correspondence with the mythology of the Vedas.We point to the Indo-European origins of the doctrine of the seven archangels, which in turn correlates with the most ancient ideas of people about the septenary structures of being, both divine and earthly.
9. Angels
Both Greek and Hebrew words expressing the conceptAngel means messenger... Angels have often played this role in the texts of the Bible, but its authors often give this term a different meaning. Angels are the disembodied helpers of God. They appear as people with wings and a halo of light around their heads. Usually they are mentioned in Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious texts. Angels have the appearance of a man, "only with wings and are dressed in white clothes: God created them from stone"; angels and seraphim - women, cherubim - men or children)<Иваницкий, 1890>.
Good and evil angels, messengers of God or the devil, converge in a decisive battle described in the book of Revelation. Angels can be ordinary people, prophets who inspire good deeds, supernatural bearers of all kinds of messages or mentors, and even impersonal forces like the winds, pillars of cloud or fire that led the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Plague and pestilence are called evil angels. St. Paul calls his illness "Satan's messenger." Many other phenomena, like inspiration, sudden impulses, providences, are also attributed to angels.
Invisible and immortal. According to the teachings of the church, angels are sexless invisible spirits, immortal from the day of their creation. There are many angels, which follows from the Old Testament description of God - "Lord of the host." They form a hierarchy of angels and archangels of the entire host of heaven. The early church clearly divided nine types, or "ranks," of angels.
Angels served as intermediaries between God and his people. The Old Testament says that no one could see God and remain alive, therefore direct communication between the Almighty and man is often depicted as communication with an angel. It was the angel who prevented Abraham from sacrificing Isaac. Moses saw an angel in a burning bush, although he heard the voice of God. An angel led the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. From time to time, the biblical angels look just like mortals until their true identity is revealed, like the angels who came to Lot before the horrific destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Unnamed perfume. Other angels are also mentioned in Scripture, such as a spirit with a fiery sword that blocked Adam's path back to Eden; cherub and seraphim, depicted in the form of thunderclouds and lightning, which reminds of the faith of the ancient Jews in the god of thunder; the messenger of God who miraculously rescued Peter from prison, in addition, the angels who appeared to Isaiah in his vision of the heavenly judgment: “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne high and exalted, and the edges of His robe filled the entire temple. Seraphim stood around Him; each of them has six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his legs, and with two he flew. "
Hosts of angels appear several times in the pages of the Bible. Thus, a choir of angels announced the birth of Christ. Archangel Michael commanded numerous heavenly hosts in the battle against the forces of evil. The only angels in the Old and New Testaments that have their own names are Michael and Gabriel, who brought Mary the news of the birth of Jesus. Most of the angels refused to name themselves, this reflected the prevailing belief that the disclosure of the name of the spirit reduces its power.
Thrones, Seraphim and Cherubim are the main angelic ranks. Their representatives occupy the leading places in the heavenly hierarchy. Find out what they are responsible for and what functions they perform.
The angelic hierarchy is known to theologians from various sources. These are the Old and New Testaments, Holy Scripture, as well as the revelations of monks and priests who lived at different times. Thrones, Seraphim and Cherubim are also mentioned in Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. Interestingly, in the immortal work of Dante, the angelic hierarchy is described in the same way as in modern theological publications.
Dormition of the Virgin, Francesco Botticini
Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones occupy the first place in the Christian hierarchy of angelic entities. These are the names of ranks, the first order is the Seraphim, the second is the Cherubim, the third is the Thrones. All three ranks belong to the first sphere of the heavenly hierarchy, of which there are three. Each sphere contains three orders of angels.
Angels of the highest rank are rarely depicted as humanoid creatures. Their iconographic images are quite capable of seriously surprising the majority of believers. A clear hierarchy of angels exists only in the Christian tradition. The Qur'an practically does not touch upon this topic, therefore, in Islam, not much attention is paid to the types of Allah's helpers. In Judaism and Kabbalah, there are several versions of the hierarchy of divine essences, and all of them are seriously different from each other.
Dionysius the Areopagite wrote that a person cannot know for sure about what the hierarchy of heavenly forces is. In his opinion, only what God wished to reveal is known. Perhaps only a part of the structure of the heavenly divine power and the apparatus of governing our world is available to us.
Supreme Angel Metatron - place in the hierarchy
Metatron and the aura
According to legend, the angel Metatron occupies the main position among all other celestial entities. He judges other angels, and also sits on the same throne that God has. However, according to the legends, the throne became the cause of the quarrel between God and Metatron and the subsequent punishment of the angel.
Metatron does not belong to the ranks of the first sphere - Seraphim, Cherubim, or Thrones. According to legend, he was once an ordinary righteous man. God lifted him to heaven alive and turned him into a perfect being - the archangel Metatron. Archangels are ranked eighth out of nine among the angelic ranks. However, despite this, he is closer to God than the higher ranks.
However, according to some legends, God expelled Metatron. Other angels did not want to recognize an ordinary person as the main one. In addition, the situation with two thrones, which gave rise to rumors of dual power in heaven, became the reason for the expulsion of Metatron. However, not all legends describe his exile. According to some of them, he forever remained an archangel close to God, despite the punishment incurred. Accordingly, the angel of the highest rank is Metatron, one of a kind.
The highest angelic rank - Seraphim
Seraphim are the highest angelic order. These are the angels who are closest to the rest, apart from Metatron, are to God. According to the book of the prophet Isaiah, they appeared before people in the guise of six-winged creatures. With the first pair of wings, they covered their faces, and with the second, their body. They need the last two wings in order to fly.
According to Enoch, one of the Seraphim calls himself Seraphiel. He has the head of an eagle. Such a bright light emanates from this divine being that even other angels are unable to see its appearance. Perhaps the rest of the Seraphim covered their faces and bodies only in order not to blind people with their holiness.
The icons depict representatives of the highest angelic order with open faces. Their two wings are raised up, two support the Seraphim in the air, and with two they hide their bodies from the eyes of people. According to the canon, these are angels who stand around God or support his throne. The predominant color on their icons is fiery, fiery, red.
Dionysius the Areopagite claims that the nature of the Seraphim is similar to fire, a fiery love of purity and holiness. They are in constant motion around the divine. Their vocation is to illuminate with their light and scorch with their heat, to raise and assimilate lower beings.
Representatives of the highest order in the angelic hierarchy praised God and told people about his holiness and the need for faith and observance of Christian commandments. They worship God and serve human needs. But the main function of the Seraphim is the fulfillment of God's purposes on earth. They contribute to their embodiment, giving orders to the lower ranks of angels, as well as influencing people directly.
Read the article seraphim - only God is stronger.
Cherubim - the second highest angelic order
Cherubim are second in the angelic hierarchy, after the Seraphim. According to the Book of Genesis, one of them guards the entrance to Eden with a fiery sword. He was appointed to the post of guardian after the expulsion of Adam and Eve. King David of Israel describes the cherubim as God's vehicle. It is not known whether they were harnessed to his chariot or carried God in some other way, since the preserved saying of David does not reveal this secret:
... sat on the cherubim and flew.
In the Old Testament, the epithet “seated on cherubim” is also often found describing God. According to legend, when the Pharaoh was persecuting the Jews, God took the Cherubim from one of the wheels of his throne and flew on it to save the chosen people. In addition, there is another function of these representatives of one of the highest angelic ranks. Near the throne of God and in the world of people, they sing, glorifying him. According to the apocrypha, they are busy chanting along with the phoenixes and seraphim.
As one of the highest angels, Cherubim are carriers of divine wisdom. They spread knowledge about God among people, direct them on the right path and help develop the qualities necessary for a God-fearing person. Cherubim are also involved in raising the education of other divine beings when needed.
According to Jewish beliefs, Cherubim were created on the third day of Creation. However, according to Jewish legends, they became the first living creatures to inhabit a deserted world. According to the Talmud, the first creatures were man, bull, eagle and lion. They stayed for some time near the throne of God. Later, Ezekiel advised him to replace the bull with a cherub, so that the bull would not be a living reminder of the times when the Jews worshiped the Golden Calf.
Read the article who are now called cherubim.
There is no detailed textual description of the appearance of the cherubim. However, they have been repeatedly depicted in icons and in sculpture. Only their faces and wings are visible to the eyes of people. Unlike the Seraphim, the Cherubim never hide their faces. According to the prophecies of Ezekiel, they do not have the same face. Moreover, one of them is human, and the second is lion. Earlier texts describe Cherubim as four-faced creatures, and sometimes even appear in the form of winged bulls. The structure of their faces is also different from the human. Medicine calls these defects in humans cherubism.
The Talmud mentions that the statues of the Cherubim stood only in the very first temple. When, during its destruction, the pagans saw them, they began to mock the believers, calling them worshiping statues. Therefore, in the future, Cherubim were not depicted in the form of sculptures. They could only be seen in the murals of temples.
According to Jewish traditions, during sleep, the human body tells the soul about everything that was done during the day. The soul transmits information to the spirit, he - to the angel, the angel - to the archangel, the archangel - to the Cherubim, and the Cherubim tells about everything to the Seraphim, and the Seraphim reports to God. Accordingly, the Seraphim are the direct authorities of the Cherubim, their intermediaries in communion with God. Kabbalah says that the chief among the Cherubim is the angel who bears the name Cherubil.
Painting "Cherub" of the Church of Martin the Confessor in Alekseevskaya Novaya Sloboda (Moscow).
The Midrash says that it is not the Cherubim that wears God, but that God wears him. It does not contain anything material, God is sitting on the Cherubim, watching what is happening in the world. The same source names two names of the Cherubim - Tetragrammaton and Elohim. According to legend, these are parts of the true name of God.
In the Christian tradition, Cherubim are considered angels singing in honor of the Lord, as well as carriers of his mind and wisdom. According to biblical descriptions, they have twelve wings. Astrologers associate the number of wings of the Cherubim with the number of signs of the zodiac. In addition, there is a connection with the number of hours in half the earth's day.
Later, John Chrysostom wrote that Cherubim are completely composed of eyes - their entire body is covered with them. Perhaps that is why they hide it under their wings. John Chrysostom saw in such a structure a symbol of wisdom. According to him, through the Cherubim, God's mind looks at the world.
Some theologians, for example, Thomas Aquinas and Theodore the Studite, call the Cherubim representatives of the highest angelic authority. In their opinion, they occupy the first place in the divine hierarchy, and the Seraphim - the second. In Orthodox worship there is a special prayer called the cherubic song.
What place do the Thrones occupy in the heavenly hierarchy?
According to the Holy Scriptures, the Thrones have such a name for a reason. God sits on them from time to time, pronouncing his Judgment. According to some legends, the Thrones also serve as a means of transportation for God, therefore they are sometimes called God-bearing.
Image of thrones on the fresco of the Church of St. John the Baptist in Kratovo, Macedonia.
Representatives of this angelic order fulfill the role of the throne of the Lord. They rank third among the angelic ranks, obeying the Seraphim and Cherubim. All other angelic ranks are subject to the Thrones and higher angels.
Thrones perform not only the functions of transport and the divine throne. With their help, God carries out his judgment on angels and people. Thrones also deal with human courts, helping rulers, judges, leaders who carry out their duties at different levels, on different scales.
Thrones are depicted as fiery wheels with eyes on the rims. They have four wings. Initially, the Cherubim were depicted in this form, but later their appearance became closer to the Seraphim, and the fiery wheels were their attributes for some time. At the same time, the true appearance of the Thrones was revealed to people. In Jewish culture, the third order is called the Wheels, or Ofhanim.
In general, there are three orders of the first sphere of the divine hierarchy. These are the Seraphim closest to God and the Cherubim and Thrones subordinate to them. Each of these divine entities fulfills their roles in helping God rule the world.
The basis for the creation of the church doctrine about angels is the book by Dionysius the Areopagite, written in the 5th century, “On the Heavenly Hierarchy” (Greek “”, Latin “de caelesti hierarchia”), better known in the edition of the 6th century. The nine angelic ranks are divided into three triads, each of which has its own peculiarity.
The first triad — seraphim, cherubim, and thrones — is characterized by close proximity to God;
The second triad - strength, domination and power - emphasizes the divine basis of the universe and world domination;
The third triad - the beginnings, the archangels and the angels themselves - is characterized by close proximity to humans.
Dionysius summed up what had been accumulated before him. Seraphim, cherubim, powers and angels are already mentioned in the Old Testament; in the New Testament, dominions, beginnings, thrones, authorities and archangels appear.
According to the classification of Gregory the Theologian (4th century), the angelic hierarchy consists of angels, archangels, thrones, dominions, principles, forces, radiance, ascents and understandings.
According to their position in the hierarchy, ranks are arranged as follows:
seraphim - first
cherubim - second
thrones - third
domination - fourth
strength - fifth
authorities - the sixth
beginning - seventh
archangels - eighth
angels - ninth.
Jewish hierarchical structures differ from Christian ones, since they appeal only to the first part of the Bible - the Old Testament (Tanahu). One source has ten ranks of angels, starting with the highest: 1) Hayot; 2) ofanim; 3) arelim; 4) hashmalim; 5) seraphim; 6) malakim, actually "angels"; 7) elohim; 8) ben Elohim ("sons of God"); 9) cherubim; 10) ishim.
In "maseket azilut" ten angelic orders are given in a different order: 1) seraphim headed by Shemuel or Yehoel; 2) Ofhanim, headed by Raphael and Ofhaniel; 3) cherubim, headed by Kerubiel; 4) shinanim, over which Tzedekiel and Gabriel are placed; 5) tarshishim, whose chiefs are Tarshish and Sabriel; 6) ishim with Cefaniel at the head; 7) Hashmalim, the leader of which is called Hashmal; 8) Malakim, headed by Uzziel; 9) ben Elohim led by Hofniel; 10) arelim, which are headed by Michael himself.
The names of the older angels (archangels) vary from source to source. Traditionally, the highest rank is attributed to Michael, Gabriel and Raphael - three angels named in the biblical books; the fourth is usually added to them Uriel, found in the non-canon 3 Book of Ezra. There is a widespread idea that there are seven higher angels (associated with the magical properties of the number 7), attempts to list them by name have been made since the time of 1 Book of Enoch, but there are too great discrepancies. We will restrict ourselves to listing the "magnificent seven" adopted in the Orthodox tradition: these are Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salafiel, Jehudiel, Barahiel, Jeremiel, headed by the eighth - Michael.
The Jewish tradition also assigns an extremely high position to the archangel Metatron, who in earthly life was the patriarch Enoch, but in heaven he turned into an angel. He is the vizier of the heavenly court and almost a substitute for God Himself.
1. Seraphim
Seraphim are angels of love, light and fire. They occupy the highest position in the hierarchy of ranks and serve God, caring for his throne. Seraphim express their love for God by constantly singing psalms of praise.
In the Hebrew tradition, the endless chanting of the seraphim is known as "trisagion" - Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh ("Holy, Holy, Holy Lord of the Forces of Heaven, the whole earth is full of his radiance"), considered a song of creation and celebration. Being the closest creatures to God, seraphim are also considered "fiery" because they are enveloped in the flame of eternal love.
According to the medieval mystic Jan van Ruisbrock, the three orders of seraphim, cherubim and thrones never take part in human conflicts, but are with us when we peacefully contemplate God and experience constant love in our hearts. They give rise to divine love in people.
Saint John the Evangelist on the island of Patmos had a vision of angels: Gabriel, Metatron, Kemuil and Nathaniel among the seraphim.
Isaiah is the only prophet who mentions seraphim in the Hebrew Scripture (Old Testament) when he talks about his vision of fiery angels over the throne of God: "Each had six wings: two covered their face, two covered their legs, and two were used for flight."
Another mention of the seraphim can be considered the book of Numbers (21: 6), where the reference to "fiery serpents" is given. According to the Second Book of Enoch (apocryphal), seraphim have six wings, four heads and faces.
Lucifer came out of the rank of seraphim. In fact, the Fallen Prince was considered an angel who overshadowed everyone else until he lost God's Grace.
Seraphim - In Judaistic and Christian mythology, angels are especially close to God. The Prophet Isaiah describes them as follows: “In the year of the death of King Uzziah, I saw the Lord sitting on a high throne, and the edges of His robe filled the entire temple. Seraphim stood around Him; each of them had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his legs, and with two he flew. And they cried out to one another and said: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts! The whole earth is full of His glory / "(Isa. 6. 1-3). According to the classification of Pseudo-Dionysius, together with the cherubim and thrones, the seraphim belong to the first triad: "... the Holy Thrones, the many-winged and multi-winged Ranks, called in the language of the Jews Cherubim and Seraphim, according to the explanation of Holy Scripture are in the greater and most immediate
closeness to God ... as for the name of the Seraphim, it clearly shows their incessant and everlasting striving for the Divine, their ardor and swiftness, their ardent, constant, unremitting and unswerving impetuosity, as well as their ability to really elevate the lower ones into the heights, excite and inflame them to a similar heat: it also signifies the ability, scorching and burning. thereby purifying them - always open. their inextinguishable, constantly identical, light-reflecting and enlightening power. chasing away and exterminating all defilement.
2. Cherubim
The word "cherub" means "fullness of knowledge" or "outpouring of wisdom." This choir has the power to know and contemplate God and the ability to understand and impart divine knowledge to others.
3. Thrones
The term "thrones" or "many-eyed" indicates their proximity to the throne of God. This is the closest order to God: they receive both their divine perfection and consciousness directly from Him.
Pseudo-Dionysius reports:
“So, justly, higher beings are consecrated into the first of the heavenly Hierarchies, since it has a higher order, especially because the first Epiphany and consecration are originally related to it, as to the closest to God,
heavenly Minds because these names express their God-like properties ... The name of the highest Thrones means that they
completely free from any earthly attachment and, constantly rising above the valley, strive prematurely towards the higher, with all their might
motionless and firmly attached to the truly Highest being,
accepting His Divine suggestion in complete dispassion and insubstantiality; also signifies that they bear God and subserviently fulfill the Divine to His commands.
4. Dominance
Dominion saints are empowered enough to rise above and free from earthly desires and aspirations. It is their responsibility to distribute the responsibilities of the angels.
According to Pseudo-Dionysius, “the significant name of the holy Dominions ... means a certain irresistible and free from any low attachment to the earthly elevation to the heavenly, not a single violent attraction to something dissimilar to them in no case shaken, but constant dominion in its freedom, standing above all humiliating slavery, alien to all humiliation, removed from all inequality to oneself, constantly striving for true Dominance and, as much as possible, sacredly transforming into a perfect likeness to Him both itself and everything subordinate to it, not clinging to anything accidentally existing , but always wholly turning to the true being and incessantly participating in the sovereign God-likeness "
5. Forces
The forces known as "glittering or shining" are angels of miracles, help, blessings that appear during battles in the name of faith. It is believed that David received the support of the Forces to fight Goliath.
The powers are also the angels from whom Abraham received his power when God told him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. The main responsibilities of these angels are to perform miracles on Earth.
They are allowed to interfere with everything about physical laws on earth, but they are also responsible for enforcing those laws. By this rank, the fifth in the Hierarchy of Angels, valor is given to humanity as well as mercy.
Pseudo-Dionysius says: “The name of the holy Powers means a certain powerful and invincible courage, as far as possible, imparted to them, reflected in all their God-like actions in order to remove from themselves everything that could diminish and weaken the Divine illumination given to them, strongly striving for imitation of God, not remaining idle from laziness, but unswervingly looking at the highest and all-strengthening Power and, as far as possible, in its own strength making Her image, completely turned to Her as a source of Forces and God-like descending to the lower powers to impart power to them. "
6. Authorities
Authority is on the same level as dominion and power, and is endowed with authority and intelligence second only to God. They provide the balance of the universe.
According to the Gospels, authorities can be both good forces and minions of evil. Among the nine angelic ranks, the authorities close the second triad, which, in addition to them, also includes dominions and powers. As it is said by Pseudo-Dionysius, “the name of the holy Powers signifies an equal to Divine Dominions and Powers, harmonious and capable of receiving Divine insights, and the device of premium spiritual dominion, which does not use autocratic powers for evil given sovereign powers, but freely and respectfully to the Divine as itself ascending and others sacred to Him leading and, as much as possible, likening to the Source and Giver of all power and depicting Him ... in a completely true use of his sovereign power. "
7. Beginnings
The beginnings are legions of angels defending religion. They constitute the seventh choir in the hierarchy of Dionysius, next immediately before the archangels. The beginnings give strength to the peoples of the Earth to find and survive their destiny.
They are also believed to be the guardians of the peoples of the world. The choice of this term, as well as the term "power", to designate the ranks of the angels of God is somewhat doubtful, since c. "Epistles to the Ephesians" "principalities and authorities" are called "the spirits of wickedness in heaven", against which Christians must fight (Ephesians 6:12).
Among those who are considered "main" in this order are Nisrok, the Assyrian deity, who is considered by the occult writings to be the main prince - the demon of hell, and Anail is one of the seven angels of creation.
The Bible says: “For I am sure that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor
Beginnings, neither Forces, nor the present, nor the future ... can separate us
from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 8.38). By
classification of Pseudo-Dionysius. beginnings are part of the third triad
along with the archangels and the angels proper. Pseudo-Dionysius says:
"The name of the heavenly Principalities means the God-like ability to command and govern in accordance with the sacred order, befitting the commanding Powers, both completely referring to the Beginning without a beginning, as well as others, as is characteristic of the Board, to guide Him, to mark in oneself, as far as possible, the image of an imprecise Beginning, etc. finally, the ability to express His premium leadership in the well-being of the commanding Powers ... all Hierarchies, begins through communication and pours out in the most sacred harmonious order. "
8. Archangels
Archangels - The word is of Greek origin and is translated as "angelic leaders", "senior angels". The term "Archangels" appears for the first time in the Greek-speaking Jewish literature of the pre-Christian time (Greek version of the "Book of Enoch" 20, 7) as a transfer of expressions like ("Grand Duke") in the attachment to Michael of the Old Testament texts (Dan. 12, 1); then this term is perceived by New Testament authors (Jude 9; 1 Thess. 4:16) and later Christian literature. According to the Christian heavenly hierarchy, they sit directly above the angels. The religious tradition has seven archangels. The main one here is Michael the Archangel (Greek "supreme military leader") - the leader of the armies of angels and people in their universal battle with Satan. Michael's weapon is a fiery sword.
Archangel Gabriel is best known for his participation in the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary about the birth of Jesus Christ. As a messenger of the innermost secrets of the world, he is depicted with a flowering branch, with a mirror (reflection is also a way of knowing), and sometimes with a candle inside the lamp - the same symbol of the hidden mystery.
Archangel Raphael is known as a heavenly healer and comforter of the afflicted.
Less commonly, four other archangels are mentioned.
Uriel is a heavenly fire, the patron saint of those who have devoted themselves to the sciences and arts.
Salafiel is the name of the supreme minister with whom prayer inspiration is associated. On icons he is painted in a prayer pose, with his hands folded crosswise on his chest.
Archangel Yehudiel blesses the ascetics, protects them from the forces of evil. In his right hand he has a golden crown as a symbol of blessing, in his left - a scourge that drives away enemies.
Barachiel is assigned the role of distributor of the highest blessings to ordinary workers, first of all to farmers. He is depicted with pink flowers.
The Old Testament tradition also speaks of the seven heavenly archangels. Their ancient Iranian parallel - the seven good spirits of Amesha Spenta ("immortal saints") finds a correspondence with the mythology of the Vedas. We point to the Indo-European origins of the doctrine of the seven archangels, which in turn correlates with the most ancient ideas of people about the septenary structures of being, both divine and earthly.
9. Angels
Both Greek and Hebrew words for angel mean messenger. Angels have often played this role in the texts of the Bible, but its authors often give this term a different meaning. Angels are the disembodied helpers of God. They appear as people with wings and a halo of light around their heads. Usually they are mentioned in Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious texts. Angels have the appearance of a man, "only with wings and are dressed in white clothes: God created them from stone"; angels and seraphim - women, cherubim - men or children)<Иваницкий, 1890>.
Good and evil angels, messengers of God or the devil, converge in a decisive battle described in the book of Revelation. Angels can be ordinary people, prophets who inspire good deeds, supernatural bearers of all kinds of messages or mentors, and even impersonal forces like the winds, pillars of cloud or fire that led the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Plague and pestilence are called evil angels. St. Paul calls his illness "Satan's messenger." Many other phenomena, like inspiration, sudden impulses, providences, are also attributed to angels.
Invisible and immortal. According to the teachings of the church, angels are sexless invisible spirits, immortal from the day of their creation. There are many angels, which follows from the Old Testament description of God - "Lord of the host." They form a hierarchy of angels and archangels of the entire host of heaven. The early church clearly divided nine types, or "ranks," of angels.
Angels served as intermediaries between God and his people. The Old Testament says that no one could see God and remain alive, therefore direct communication between the Almighty and man is often depicted as communication with an angel. It was the angel who prevented Abraham from sacrificing Isaac. Moses saw an angel in a burning bush, although he heard the voice of God. An angel led the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. From time to time, the biblical angels look just like mortals until their true identity is revealed, like the angels who came to Lot before the horrific destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Unnamed perfume. Other angels are also mentioned in Scripture, such as a spirit with a fiery sword that blocked Adam's path back to Eden; cherub and seraphim, depicted in the form of thunderclouds and lightning, which reminds of the faith of the ancient Jews in the god of thunder; the messenger of God who miraculously rescued Peter from prison, in addition, the angels who appeared to Isaiah in his vision of the heavenly judgment: “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne high and exalted, and the edges of His robe filled the entire temple. Seraphim stood around Him; each of them has six wings; with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his legs, and with two he flew. "
Hosts of angels appear several times in the pages of the Bible. Thus, a choir of angels announced the birth of Christ. Archangel Michael commanded numerous heavenly hosts in the battle against the forces of evil. The only angels in the Old and New Testaments that have their own names are Michael and Gabriel, who brought Mary the news of the birth of Jesus. Most of the angels refused to name themselves, this reflected the prevailing belief that the disclosure of the name of the spirit reduces its power.
