ANGEL
The word “angel” is a generic term that is generally used for all spiritual creatures that dwell in the heavenly realm. The word “angel” means, “Messenger.” It was derived over a period of time from several languages, including the Hebrew word “malakh,” meaning “messenger;” the Persian word “angaro,” meaning “courier;” and the Greek word “angelos,” which also means “messenger.” Angels are spiritual beings who perform various services for people on God’s behalf. They act as mediators between God and humankind. This is because God is too overwhelming a force for man to come face to face with. According to the Bible no man can see God’s face and live (Exodus 33:20). Therefore, angels are thought to be a necessary link between God and humans.
ANGELS
In the angelic hierarchy, “angels” is the last order of angels, and are only one stage higher than man. These angels work more closely with humans than any other class of angels. The guardian angels are from this order. Ruling princes of the order of “angels” include: Phaleg, Adnachiel, Gabriel and Chayyliel.
Knowledge of the Angels.
The angels are credited with teaching mankind the knowledge of: agriculture, meteorology, psychiatry; astronomy, pharmacy, language, writing, medicine, herbal remedies, alchemy, gemology, diagnosing and curing diseases, how to perform abortions, magic, and astrology. (Note: Some of this knowledge was forbidden to humans and the angels who brought it to earth were severely reprimanded.)
In an effort to create order in the angel world theologians created angel hierarchies. These hierarchies ranked the orders of angels from the highest to the lowest. The most recognized hierarchy is that of Dionysus the Pseudo-Areopagite in which he ranked the angels in three choirs in the following order: 1st) Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones. 2nd) Dominations, Virtues, and Powers. 3rd) Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. Saint Thomas Aquinas, Saint Hildegarde, and Dante, all adopted this hierarchy and incorporated it into their writings. Dante helped contribute to its popularity by including it in hisclassic poem, The Divine Comedy. In addition, the Roman Catholic Church embraced it, improving its level of credibility. Today it is the most popular hierarchy of angels in the world. Through the centuries many other great thinkers also created angel hierarchies. Among those are: Saint Ambrose, Saint Jerome, Saint Gregory the Great, Rudolph Steiner, and Billy Graham. Some great works of literature that include angel hierarchies include: Apologia Prophet David, by Saint Ambrose; Homilia, by Saint Gregory the Great; The Celestial Hierarchy, by Saint Thomas Aquinas; Summa Theologica, by Dionysius the Pseudo-Areopagite; Etymologiarum, by Isidore of Seville; Mishne Torah, by Moses Maimonides; De Fide Orthodoxa, by Saint John of Damascus; and The Magus, by Francis Barrett. Orders of Angels
1st Tier, Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones
2nd Tier, Dominations, Virtues, and Powers
3rd Tier, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels
The highest order of angels in Heaven. They have been described as incorruptible, brilliant, and powerful. They are the closest angels to God, and are in direct communication with Him. It is said that they are so radiant that not even the Cherubim and the Ophanim can look upon them. If humans stood in their presence, they would be incinerated. They control the motion of the Heavens as it flows out from God. Their essence is love, and they are called “Angels of Love.” Through their purifying powers, they move humans to a love of God. They surround God’s throne continuously singing, the Trisagion, a song of celebration. 3 Enoch (26:9-12) says that there are four Seraphim corresponding to the four winds of the world. They each have six wings corresponding to the six days of creation. Each has sixteen faces, facing in each direction. Each wing is the size of Heaven. The name Seraphim is a combination of the Hebrew word “Rapha,” which means “healer,” and “ser,” which means, “ higher being.” They are represented by the serpent, which is a symbol of healing. The leader of the Seraphim is Serapiel. The ruling Princes are: Michael, Seraphiel, Jahoel, Uriel, Camael, Metatron, and Nathanael. They are also called “Seraphs.” (continue)