TheNineChoirsOfAngels
The nine choirs of angels are traditionally arranged into Three Hierarchies, following the schema laid out by Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite in The Celestial Hierarchy (5th–6th c.) and later refined by St. Thomas Aquinas in the Summa Theologiae. This ordering is a long-standing theological tradition rather than defined Church dogma — it is not part of the Catechism.
Contents
First Hierarchy
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.
Second Hierarchy
Dominions
Dominions are Angels of Leadership. They regulate the duties of the angels, making known the commands of 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.
Third Hierarchy
Principalities
The Principalities are the angelic order that—under God’s authority—directs and coordinates the activity of lower good angels by distributing the divine “orders” they are to carry out, thereby guiding them in the execution of God’s missions.
Principalities (often in the biblical context of spiritual warfare) also refers to a category of fallen spiritual powers that rule and preside over nations and hold sway over inferior demons, so that they can be called “princes”/“lords” and described as “rulers of darkness” (Eph 6:12). Their hostility to humans is real: they function to oppose people through spiritual wickedness, including by inciting others to rebel against God—which is why they are named principalities. Yet this hostility is not ultimate, because Christian doctrine teaches that when all things are subdued to Christ, these orders are destroyed—meaning their present sway is ended by the Lord’s reign over the cosmos.
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)
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 social to assist those who ask for help.
Prayers to St. Michael
Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel
The short form, composed by Pope Leo XIII in 1886 and recited widely at the end of Low Mass until 1964:
Saint Michael the Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our defense against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray, and do thou, O Prince of the heavenly hosts, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen.
The Chaplet of St. Michael
A longer devotion, traditionally traced to a private revelation received by the Portuguese Carmelite nun Antonia d'Astonac and approved by Pope Pius IX. It salutes each of the nine choirs in turn, praying through St. Michael's intercession for the particular grace associated with that choir.
V. O God, come to my assistance.
R. O Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Each of the following nine salutations is followed by one Our Father and three Hail Marys:
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Seraphim, may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect charity. Amen.
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Cherubim, may the Lord grant us the grace to leave the ways of sin and run in the paths of Christian perfection. Amen.
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Thrones, may the Lord infuse into our hearts a true and sincere spirit of humility. Amen.
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Dominations, may the Lord give us grace to govern our senses and overcome any unruly passions. Amen.
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues, may the Lord preserve us from evil and from falling into temptation. Amen.
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Powers, may the Lord protect our souls from the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Principalities, may God fill our souls with a true spirit of obedience. Amen.
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Archangels, may the Lord give us perseverance in faith and in all good works, that we may attain the glory of Heaven. Amen.
- By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Angels, may the Lord grant us to be protected by them in this mortal life and conducted in the life to come to Heaven. Amen.
Then say one Our Father in honor of each of the following: St. Michael, St. Gabriel, St. Raphael, and our Guardian Angel.
O glorious Prince St. Michael, chief and commander of the heavenly hosts, guardian of souls, vanquisher of rebel spirits, servant in the house of the Divine King, and our admirable conductor, you who shine with excellence and superhuman virtue, deliver us from all evil, who turn to you with confidence, and enable us by your gracious protection to serve God more and more faithfully every day.
Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, Prince of the Church of Jesus Christ, that we may be made worthy of His promises.
Let us pray. O God, who in Your ineffable goodness and loving desire for the salvation of all people, established the ministry of angels and men in a wonderful order, grant that as Your holy angels always serve and worship You in heaven, so by Your appointment they may defend us here on earth throughout our lives. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.