An angel is a
pure spirit created by God. The Old Testament theology included
the belief in angels: the name applied to certain spiritual beings
or intelligences of heavenly residence, employed by God as the
ministers of His will. The English word "angel" comes from
the Greek angelos, which means 'messenger'. In the Old Testament,
with two exceptions, the Hebrew word for "angel" is malak, also
meaning 'messenger'. The prophet Malachi took his name from this
word. He was himself a messenger, and he prophesied about the
coming of "the messenger of the covenant", Jesus Christ (Malachi
3:1). Although the word "angel" in the Bible, meaning a
messenger, nearly always applies to heavenly beings, it can
occasionally apply to human messengers. Malachi himself said a
priest was a messenger (malak) of the LORD of hosts (Malachi 2:7),
and in the Book of Revelation the elders of the seven churches of
Asia were called angels (1:20; 2:1 etc.). But when we meet
messengers doing supernatural things, there is no doubt they are
heavenly beings - God's messengers, working for Him and for the
ultimate benefit of mankind.
Seraphim
These are the highest order or choir of angels. They are the angels
who are attendants or guardians before God's throne. They praise God,
calling, "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of Hosts". the only Bible
reference is Isaiah 6:1-7. One of them touched Isaiah's lips with a
live coal from the altar, cleansing him from sin. Seraphim have six
wings, two cover their faces, two cover their feet, and two are for
flying.
Cherubim
Cherubim rank after the seraphim and are the second highest in the
nine hierarchies or choirs of angels. The Old Testament does not
reveal any evidence that the Jews considered them as intercessors or
helpers of God. They were closely linked in God's glory. They are
manlike in appearance and double-winged and were guardians of God's
glory. They symbolized then, God's power and mobility. In the New
Testament, they are alluded to as celestial attendants in the
Apocalypse (Rv 4-6). Catholic tradition describes them as angels who
have an intimate knowledge of God and continually praise Him.
Thrones
Thrones are the Angels of pure Humility, Peace and Submisssion. They
reside in the area of the cosmos where material form begins to take
shape. The lower Choir of Angels need the Thrones to access God.
Virtues
Virtues are known as the Spirits of Motion and control the elements.
They are sometimes referred to as "the shining ones." They govern all
nature. They have control over seasons, stars, moon; even the sun is
subject to their command. They are also in charge of miracles and
provide courage, grace, and valor.
Powers
Powers are Warrior Angels against evil defending the cosmos and
humans. They are known as potentates. They fight against evil spirits
who attempt to wreak chaos through human beings. The chief is said to
be either Samael or Camael, both angels of darkness.
Archangels
Archangels are generally taken to mean "chief or leading angel" ( Jude
9; 1 Thes 4:16), they are the most frequently mentioned throughout the
Bible. They may be of this or other hierarchies as St. Michael
Archangel, who is a princely Seraph. The Archangels have a unique role
as God's messenger to the people at critical times in history and
salvation (Tb 12:6, 15; Jn 5:4; Rv 12:7-9) as in The Annunciation and
Apocalypse. A feast day celebrating the Archangels Michael, Gabriel
and Raphael is celebrated throughout the Church Sep 29. A special part
of the Byzantine Liturgy invokes the "Cherubic Hymn" which celebrates
these archangels and the guardian angels particularly. Of special
significance is St. Michael as he has been invoked as patron and
protector by the Church from the time of the Apostles. The Eastern
Rite and many others place him over all the angels, as Prince of the
Seraphim. He is described as the "chief of princes" and as the leader
of the forces of heaven in their triumph over Satan and his followers.
The angel Gabriel first appeared in the Old Testament in the
prophesies of Daniel, he announced the prophecy of 70 weeks (Dn
9:21-27). He appeared to Zechariah to announce the birth of St. John
the Baptist (Lk 1:11). It was also Gabriel which proclaimed the
Annunciation of Mary to be the mother of our Lord and Saviour. (Lk
1:26) The angel Raphael first appeared in the book of Tobit (Tobias)Tb
3:25, 5:5-28, 6-12). He announces "I am the Angel Raphael, one of the
seven who stand before the throne of God." (Tb 12:15)
Principalities
In the New Testament Principalities refers to one type of spiritual
(metaphysical) being which are now quite hostile to God and human
beings. (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 3:10; 6:12; Col 1:16; 2:10,
15) Along with the principalities are the powers (Rom 8:38; 1 Cor
15:24; Eph 1:21; 1 Pt 3:22; 2 Thes 1:7); and cosmological powers (1
Cor 15:24; Eph 1:21; 3:10; Col 2:15);Dominions (Eph 1:21; Col 1:16)
and thrones (Col 1:16). The clarity of the New Testament witness helps
see that these beings were created through Christ and for Him (Col
1:16). Given their hostility to God and humans due to sin, Christ's
ultimate rule over them (ibid) expresses the reign of the Lord over
all in the cosmos. This is the Lordship of Christ, which reveals God's
tremendous salvation in conquering sin and death at the cross, and now
takes place in the Church. (Eph 3:10)
Angels
These angels are closest to the material world and human begins. They
deliver the prayers to God and God's answers and other messages to
humans. Angels have the capacity to access any and all other Angels at
any time. They are the most caring and socius to assist those who ask
for help.
What
are angels?