People have known about the existence of angels since time immemorial: all peoples and in many spiritual traditions believed in them. Holy Scripture repeatedly mentions the action of angels who fulfill the commands of God in the world and protect righteous people with their cover. In addition to Scripture, the holy fathers also left a lot of information about angels: heavenly beings appeared to them more than once and conveyed God's Will - it’s not for nothing that God sends them proclaim Their commands, and that is why they are called angels, i.e. messengers.

God endowed the angels with rich gifts. They are gifted with strength and power, with the help of which they can act on the physical plane: influence the bodies of people and the world of things. However, angels never create 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 His unceasing praise and thanksgiving singing: they thank and glorify God for the bliss in which, by His grace, they abide. The bliss in which angels abide cannot be compared with anything on earth: people who experience human bliss in rare moments of their human happiness can only feel a vague reflection of 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 ranks, and the Glory of God is poured out on angels from the highest faces to the lowest:

• 1st rank of angels - seraphim, cherubim, thrones;
• 2nd rank of angels - domination, strength, power;
• 3rd rank of angels - beginnings, archangels, angels

The angelic ranks obey 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." Seraphim are inflamed with this divine love and communicate it to other faces - such is their task and purpose.

Cherubim: This name means "the fullness of knowledge, the 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.

Thrones spirits are called, on which God himself sits in an incomprehensible way and administers His righteous judgment. Thrones help earthly rulers, lords and judges to administer justice.

dominance manage other ranks, teach to control feelings, subdue passions, subordinate the flesh to the spirit. The Dominions have power over evil spirits.

Forces Spirits through which God works His miracles. God endowed these angels with His power and omnipotence.

Authorities they have power over the forces of evil, they can repel the attacks of the evil one, ward off misfortunes from people and drive away evil thoughts.

Beginnings God entrusted the management of the universe and the protection of all kingdoms, states, peoples, tribes and languages. Every country, every nation and tribe has a certain angel assigned to it from the rank 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 the faith of people and enlighten the mind. The most famous of the archangels - Michael, Gabriel, Uriel (aka Jeremiel), Selaphiel, Yehudiel and Barahiel - are actually archangels in rank, 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 highest leader over all-all angels was appointed by God the archangel (ie leader, senior warrior) MICHAEL.

Angels are closest to people. Each person has his own guardian angel - patron and protector, his closest spiritual mentor, with whom the connection must be maintained and strengthened.

Culture and ancient traditions give an idea of ​​the existence of guardian angels. The names of angels, their hierarchy and influence on society have a number of features.

Appearance and role in people's lives

Translated from Greek, the name of higher beings means "messenger, messenger." They were sent by God to serve people. The exact time of their appearance in our world is unknown, but they appeared on Earth before the creation of man.

Significant events in the Bible take place in the presence of messengers. Saint Gabriel was sent to the Virgin Mary with the aim of bringing important information, one of the angels released. Heavenly creatures follow human history, they are always ready to help and convey a message from above.

The silhouette of the heralds resembles a human one, the appearance of each of them depends on the rank and mission. They are depicted as winged, with wands or spheres in their hands. Messengers of God live in heaven, where there is a hierarchy of angelic ranks. Holy creatures have no gender, human relationships are alien to them. A person cannot become an angel.

Abilities of heavenly creatures

Image and attributes

The heavenly creature looks like a young man of unusual appearance, with wings behind his back. The creatures were dressed in bright linen robes intertwined with golden belts.

Most angels have two wings, with exceptions - and four-fingered Cherubim.

The image of higher creatures is filled with symbols:

• wings signify speed and the ability to be everywhere;
• the staff means the ability to convey the will of God;
• the mirror represents knowledge of future events;
• golden ribbons in the hair symbolize the obedience of God, the connection with him;
• the third eye is a sign of the ability to know everything;
• the halo symbolizes grace, special energy;
• beautiful appearance means the perfection of angels, their highest harmony.

Special features are added to the appearance of creatures that correspond to their mission. Raphael was depicted with medicines, Gabriel - with a paradise branch, and Michael - with a spear.

Orders of higher beings

The Holy Society follows a clear division of rights and duties. Messengers do not know meanness, they do not want to substitute the highest in rank. Their existence is filled with harmony, which proves the wisdom of God and his higher nature.

The angelic hierarchy consists of nine ranks, divided into higher, middle and lower triads.

First triad

This includes heavenly creatures that are as close as possible to God. They are admitted to the holy mysteries of the universe. Ranks of higher angels:

1. Seraphim are six-winged creatures that revere the creator. They convey their love to people, causing them to desire confession, inspire them to faith.
2. Cherubim revere the mind and wisdom of God, guard great secrets with their wings. They do not tolerate interference in higher affairs, they preach faith, and people's excessive curiosity for holy knowledge makes them jealous. They became guardians of the tree of life after the expulsion of Adam and Eve.
3. Thrones exalt the majesty and glory of God, convey to mankind his omniscience and justice. Reminding them of the need to maintain a hierarchy.

Second triad

List of representatives of the Middle Sphere:

1. The dominations sing of God's care, his ability to protect everyone. They inspire people with self-confidence, bring up the desire to develop, limit the craving for sin.
2. Forces admire the power and skill of God, teach to respect his capabilities.
3. The authorities control the devil, help people resist temptation and gain faith.

Third triad

Representatives of this rank are closer to the human world. It includes:

1. The principles govern the universe, monitor the performance of the lower angels. They help in structuring society, observing the will of God. Rule over the elements.
2. convey the good news, teach people to keep the covenants. They have access to prophecy. Heavenly creatures help to return to the true path.
3. Angels are the closest beings to people. They give strength to go to enlightenment, protect from excesses and dangers, instill faith.

Meaning of names

Each angel was created for a specific purpose. The names of angels reflect their special mission.

1. - fallen, contrary to the will of God.
2. Uriel - inflames the love of God in human hearts. Enlightens unbelievers.
3. - helps in healing, protects health, monitors thoughts and deeds.
4. Raguel - executes punishments.
5. Savriel - controls the creatures that tempt man.
6. - manages celestial beings, directs to the right path.

This rank includes many other archangels. The canonical Bible mentions - the chief of the archangels, in other books - Selafiel, Jeremiel, Barahiel and Yehudiel.

Other religions

Faith different countries differ significantly, but in many of them there are messengers of God.

1. In Islam, Cherubim are distinguished, glorifying Allah. Besides him, this religion describes four angels. Michael - the main one among others, the prophet Jabrail - condescends to the elect, Azrael - the ruler of the soul after death, Israfil - announces the Last Judgment.
2. There are many angels in Judaism. There are nine archangels who command the lower creatures.
3. In Zoroastrianism, the archangels are called Amesha Spenta, who are part of the deity. Amirtat is a symbol of immortality, Khaurvtat is the guardian of health, Khshatra Vaira - monitors power, Spenta Armaiti - personifies devotion, Asha Vahishta - the pinnacle of righteousness, Vohu Mana - the deification of light and thought.

Messengers of God in the modern world

Mythology and ancient faith do not lose their relevance at the present time.

culture

Holy beings are present in music, games and literature. Cinema especially often uses the image of celestial creatures. List of the best films with the participation of angels:

1. "Constantine: Lord of Darkness" - Saint Gabriel and his confrontation with Lucifer are described here.
2. "City of Angels" - the director proves to people the presence of angels, talks about their craving for earthly goods.
3. "Michael" - tells about the adventures of the Archangel Michael on Earth.
4. The series "Supernatural" - gives an idea of ​​the special nature of the confrontation between Lucifer and God, interprets angels in a new way.
5. "Angel" - talks about a vampire named Angel.

Each scenario contains a particular vision of higher beings.

guardian angels

The lower angels become protectors of life, mentors and seers. They are in the human world, transmit the will of God and warn of danger. You can see the presence of the guardians:

• through dreams;
• according to the combinations of numbers that often appear in life, angelic numerology deals with this area;
• through sensations;
• according to the body's response to certain events.

Noticing the sign of an angel, you must turn to God.

Day Angel

Since ancient times, the name of the newborn is given in honor of one of the saints. They believed that this deity would keep the baby, assist him on his life path. The name day was calculated - this is the next holiday after the birth of a person in honor of a higher creation.

The day of the angel coincides with the date of the baptism of the baby. At this moment, God will give the baby who watches over his life values ​​and protects him from dangers. On a sacred holiday, a person should visit a church, pray to his patron and ask for a prayer service for health.

In general, the life of any person determines the subtle world, having a huge influence on it. In ancient times, everyone knew that it was the subtle world that determined the physical plane. At the moment, few people remember this and want to reflect in this direction. And this is a very important aspect of life, because there are creatures that help us in life, and there are those who try to lead us astray and sometimes even destroy us.

To see all 9 ranks of angels, you should pay attention to the "Assumption" by Botticini. On it are three triads of angels. Before creating our world, visible and physical, God created heavenly, spiritual forces and called them angels. It was they who began to play an intermediary role between the Creator and people. The translation of this word from Hebrew literally sounds like “messenger”, from Greek - “messenger”.

Angels are called incorporeal beings who have a higher mind, free will and great power. According to information from the Old and New Testaments in the Angelic Hierarchy, there are certain angelic ranks, the so-called steps. Most Jewish and Christian theologians were engaged in the creation of a unified classification of these ranks. At the moment, the angelic hierarchy of Dionysius the Areopagite, which was created in the fifth century and called the "nine ranks of the Angels", has spread the most.

nine ranks

It follows from this system that there are three triads. The first, or higher, included the Seraphim and Cherubim, as well as the Thrones. The middle triad includes the angelic ranks of Domination, Strength and Power. And in the lowest caste of ranks are the Principles, Archangels and Angels.

seraphim

It is believed that the six-winged Seraphim are closest to God. It is the Seraphim that can be called those who occupy the highest angelic rank. It is written about them in the Bible that the prophet Isaiah became a witness of their arrival. He compared them with fiery figures, so the translation of this word from Hebrew means "Flaming".

Cherubim

It is this caste in angelic hierarchy follows the Seraphim. Their main purpose is to intercede for the human race and pray for souls before God. In addition, it is believed that they serve as a memory and are the guards of the Heavenly Book of Knowledge. The knowledge of the Cherubim extends to everything that a being created can know. In Hebrew, cherub means intercessor.

In their power are the mysteries of God and the depth of his wisdom. It is believed that this particular caste of angels is the most enlightened among all. It is their responsibility to discover in man the knowledge and vision of God. Seraphim and Cherubim, along with the third representatives of the first triad, interact with people.

Thrones

Their position before the seated God. They are called God-bearing, but not in the truest sense of the word, but because of the goodness within them and because they faithfully serve the Son of God. In addition, evolutionary information is hidden in them. Basically, it is they who perform God's justice, help earthly representatives of power to fairly judge their people.

According to the medieval mystic Jan van Ruysbroku, representatives of the higher triad under no circumstances interfere in human conflicts. But at the same time, they are next to people in moments of insight, love for God and knowledge of the world. It is believed that they are able to carry the highest love in the hearts of people.

dominance

The angelic ranks of the second triad begin with Dominions. The fifth rank of angels, Dominions, has free will, thanks to which the daily work of the Universe is ensured. In addition, they govern the angels who are lower in the hierarchy. Because they are completely free, their love for the Creator is impartial and sincere. It is they who give strength to earthly rulers and managers so that they act wisely and fairly, owning lands and ruling people. In addition, they are able to teach how to manage feelings, protecting from unnecessary outbursts of passion and lust, to enslave the flesh to the spirit, so that it is possible to control one's will and not succumb to temptations of various kinds.

Forces

This caste of angels is full of Divine strength, in their power is the fulfillment of the instantaneous will of God, showing his strength and strength. It is they who work the miracles of God and are able to give a person grace, with the help of which he can see what is coming or heal earthly diseases.

They are able to strengthen a person’s patience, remove his grief, strengthen his spirit and give courage so that he can cope with all life’s hardships and problems.

Authorities

It is the responsibility of the Authorities to keep the keys to the Devil's cage and contain his hierarchy. They are able to tame demons, repel an attack on the human race, deliver from demonic temptation. Also, their duties include approving good people for their spiritual exploits and labors, protecting them and preserving their right to the kingdom of God. It is they who help drive away all evil thoughts, passions and lust, as well as the enemies of a person are taken away and help to defeat the Devil in oneself. If we consider the personal level, then the mission of these angels is to help a person during the battle of good and evil. And when a person dies, they accompany his soul and help him not to go astray.

Beginnings

These include legions of angels whose purpose is to protect religion. Their name is such, due to the fact that they direct the lower angelic ranks, it is they who help them to do things pleasing to God. In addition, their mission is to rule the universe and protect everything that the Lord has created. According to some reports, every nation and every ruler has his own angel, called to protect him from evil. The prophet Daniel said that the angels of the Persian and Jewish kingdoms make sure that all the rulers who have been placed on the throne strive not for enrichment and glory, but for the spread and increase of the glory of God, so that they benefit their people, serving their needs.

Archangels

The archangel is a great evangelist. Its main mission is the discovery of prophecies, understanding and knowledge of the will of the Creator. They receive this knowledge from the higher ranks in order to convey it to the lower ones, who will subsequently convey it to people. According to St. Gregory the Dialogist, the purpose of angels is to strengthen faith in a person, to open its mysteries. Archangels, whose names can be found in the Bible, are the most known to man.

Angels

This is the lowest rank in the hierarchy of heaven and the closest being to people. They guide people on the path, help them in Everyday life do not deviate from your path. Every believer has his own guardian angel. They support every virtuous person from falling, they try to raise everyone who has fallen spiritually, no matter how sinful he is. They are always ready to help a person, the main thing is that he himself wants this help.

It is believed that a person receives his Guardian Angel after the rite of Baptism. He is obliged to protect the subordinate from misfortunes, troubles and help him throughout his life. If a person is threatened by dark forces, you need to pray to the Guardian Angel, and he will help fight them. It is believed that depending on the mission of a person on earth, he may be associated not with one, but with several angels. Depending on how a person lives and how spiritually developed he is, not only lower ranks can work with him, but also Archangels, whose names most people know. It is worth remembering that Satan will not stop and will always tempt people, so the Angels will always be with them in difficult times. Only by living according to the laws of God and developing spiritually can one come to know all the mysteries of religion. In principle, this is all the information that relates to the ranks of Heaven.

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 to understand the angelic Chinaz in this article.

In the article:

The ranks of angels - what is it and why are they needed

The kingdom of God is like any organization. If these words seem blasphemous to you, then think about it - where did people get their structure of society from? God made man in his own image and likeness, which means he gave us a hierarchy. Moreover, remember that it bears the title Archangel, that is, the commander-in-chief of the heavenly host. This alone can say that the orders of angels do exist.

Antique icon Image of St. Michael the Archangel, leader of the heavenly host. Russia XIX century.

What are they created for? As in any organization, so in heaven, there must be a reporting structure. Without it, the organization will be in disarray, anarchy. And just for refusing to obey, he 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, nine angelic ranks were created by God precisely in order to manage the heavenly kingdom as efficiently as possible.

The creator, of course, is endowed with limitless power and possibility - how else would he have created the whole world? But it is worth understanding that even he sometimes needs to be distracted from one problem in order to tackle another. Especially real world too fragile to withstand the direct intervention of a deity. Do not forget, which is the Voice of God. After all, if the Creator addresses a person directly, then he simply cannot withstand the power of a true voice and will die. This is why God needs help. Excess power imposes its limitations.

Nine angelic ranks

Yes, this seemingly monolithic organization has its problems. On at least one occasion, a schism has brewed among the angels. But it happened because of which he was able to attract a few rebels to his side. From this we can conclude that the basis of the problems is not in the rationality 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 given 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 no way in Heaven without a hierarchy. Everything is like people. But should this be surprising? Unlikely. Any organization is designed to exclude, so to speak, the human factor. In our case - angelic. It doesn't always work, but how could it be otherwise? Even a being as perfect as God can have mistakes.

9 angelic ranks of the heavenly hierarchy

We have already talked 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 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. . These six-winged creatures live in constant motion. Often they are confused with the muses, who 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 from them that the protection of the tree of life consists, which appeared after the expulsion of Adam and Eve. The first representatives of the great Distrust, because before the Exile, the tree did not need to be protected. Thrones are not part of the interior. They are the third rank of the first triad, they are often called Mirrors of Wisdom. They reflect the divine providence, and with their help, heavenly souls can predict the future.

The second triad includes powers, dominations and powers. Forces are engaged in transmitting to mortals a piece of divine power. They help in difficult times to take, so to speak, by the head and not despair. Dominations - the middle rank in the angelic hierarchy, personify the craving for freedom and independence, tell people the craving to remove themselves from inequality. Authorities - 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 minions of evil. Carry out manifestations of divine power in the human world.

The third triad completes the hierarchy ladder. It includes principles, archangels and angels. Beginnings - the angelic rank 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 govern the actual angels. As an example - the archangel Michael the archangel, the head of the angelic army. Angels are the ones who are most involved in people's lives. 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 mentioned in the writings of Dionysius the Areopagite. They were written at the end of the 5th or the beginning of the 6th century. This is a whole collection of research texts, the purpose of which was to bring clarity to the lives of celestial beings. The theologian asked difficult questions and tried to answer them as clearly as possible. He did it. The key to such 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. It can be said that the theologian simply summed up everything that had been written before him. And this is true, but partially. Even for such a seemingly simple work, titanic efforts were required.

Angelic ranks in Orthodoxy

Between Orthodox and Catholic there is a difference in culture. She also touched on the roles assigned to the angelic ranks. Yes, if you look in general, the differences will not be evident. All the same, even if different denominations, but one and 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 here. There are also three of them, and are called - Higher, Middle, Lower. They differ from each other by "remoteness" from the divine throne. This does not in any way mean that God loves the Lower Degree less than the Highest. Of course not. It's just that if the first one directly contacts people, doing the will of God, then mortals hardly see the second one.

The next big difference is the degree of personalization. In Orthodoxy, individual angelic personalities appear more often. They are honored as intercessors and guardians. In Catholicism, this happens much less often. Although here, like the Catholics, there are 9 angels, 9 angelic ranks. Both denominations used the same texts, and small differences can be attributed to different interpretations. , for example, display wisdom rather than guards. They have the highest spiritual wisdom, they can use it. For the good, of course, by suggesting to his brothers 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 more often shown to people. Some higher archangels are given names such as Michael, Gabriel, Raphael. Ordinary angels communicate most closely with people, even become personal guardians and intercessors. take guardianship over every mortal, instructing him and helping, pushing along the path of God's Plan, the so-called Great Plan.

Angels are invisible, immortal, but just as invisible and immortal as the human soul. That is, as far as God allows them this prosperity. In Orthodoxy, angels are associated with two elements - fire and air. By fire they purify sinners, bring divine wrath, retribution. And they are like the wind, because they are carried over the earth with great speed in order to accomplish 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, no discipline. It is with their help that it becomes clear how the hierarchy of divine beings works. It was from them that humanity received an understanding of how their own society should work.

In contact with

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth,” the Bible begins with these words. Under the sky, according to one of the interpretations, is understood not our earthly sky, but the highest Heaven - this is the world of incorporeal beings, which we call the Heavenly Forces or angels, which have their own harmonious hierarchy.

Today we publish an excerpt from the famous Archpriest Konstantin Parkhomenko, who in an accessible form gave an exhaustive interpretation of all existing angelic ranks and noted their relationship, based on the writings of St. Dionysius.

The difference in interpretations

The Bible speaks of eight ranks of Angels, these are: Archangels, Cherubim, Seraphim, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Powers, Forces. Where does such a variety of inhabitants of heaven come from? ..

The teachers of the Church thought about this. Origen(III century) suggested that the difference between the Angels in ranks is due to their cooling in love for God. The higher the rank, the more faithful, more obedient to God the Angel is, and vice versa. However, the Orthodox Church rejected this interpretation.

All Angels have the same "temperature" of love for God and jealousy for God.

Saint Augustine(IV century) wrote: “That there are Thrones, Dominations, Principalities and Powers in the heavenly abodes, I unshakably believe, and that they differ from each other, I undoubtedly contain; but what they are and in what exactly they differ from each other, I do not know.

The deepest and most thoughtful work on this subject belongs to the theologian of the 5th century Saint Dionysius the Areopagite. He wrote an essay, which is called: "Oh heavenly hierarchy”And in which the question is just clarified - how do the Angels differ from each other.

Dionysius divides all the angels into three triads. In each triad there are three ranks (in total, he gets nine ranks).

1. First triad, closest to God, are Cherubim, Seraphim and Thrones.

2. Second triad: Domination, Force, Power.

3. Finally, third triad: Beginnings, Archangels, Angels.

Saint Dionysius says that the rank of the Angel depends on the position in the heavenly hierarchy, that is, on the proximity to the King of Heaven - God.

The highest angels glorify God, stand before Him. Other Angels, whose rank is lower in the heavenly hierarchy, perform various tasks, for example, they protect people. These are the so-called "service" spirits.

The work of St. Dionysius is a remarkable achievement of Orthodox mysticism, theology and philosophy. For the first time, a harmonious doctrine appears, striving to show the principles of the interaction of God with the world through angelic beings; for the first time, the diversity of the ranks of Angels, which the Bible mentions, is put in order.

However, it should be remembered that classification of angelic ranks Saint Dionysius is not scientific work- it is, rather, mystical reflections, material for theological reflections. Angelology Dionysius the Areopagite, for example, cannot be used in the study of biblical angelology, since it comes from other theological settings.

Moreover, it is impossible angelology somehow match with the natural science research of our world, these are completely different dimensions.

However, for the student of theology, the system of St. Dionysius is indispensable, and here is why:

In his work, the Byzantine thinker shows that the closer the Angelic rank is to God, the more he becomes a participant in the blessed Light and grace of God.

Who is from which triad?

Each of triad of angels, writes St. Dionysius, has its own common purpose. The first is purification, the second is enlightenment, and the third is perfection.

First triad, the first three highest ranks - Cherubim, seraphim and Thrones- are in the process of being cleansed of any

impurity of something imperfect. Being close to God, in constant contemplation of the Divine Light, they achieve the highest degree of purity and clarity of their angelic spirit, striving to resemble the Absolute Spirit - God. And there is no limit to this perfection.

No other creature of God can achieve that dizzying degree of purity in which these Angels are. Nobody... except Mary from Nazareth - Mother of the Lord Jesus Christ. We sing of her, who carried under her heart, gave birth, swaddled, raised the Savior of the world, as “The most honest Cherubim and the most glorious Seraphim without comparison.”

Second triad - Dominions, Forces, Powers- is constantly enlightened by the light of God's wisdom, and in this there is also no limit for her, for God's wisdom is limitless. This enlightenment is not of a mental nature, but of a contemplative one.

That is, the Angels in awe and amazement contemplate the infinite and perfect wisdom of God.

Finally, the matter last triad - Beginnings, Archangels, Angels- there is improvement. This is a more understandable and concrete form of service. These Angels, joined to God's perfection and to His will, convey this will to us and thus help us to improve.

Interpretation of angelic names

Dionysius the Areopagite emphasizes the fundamental difference in the nature of the Angels that make up different triads. If the angelic nature of the first, highest, triad can be described as light and fire, then in the second, Dionysius notes power and material characteristics, and the third triad is understood functionally, as serving the will of God, turned to the world.

Saint Dionysius determined not only the general ministry of the triads of Angels, but also the specific ministry of each of the nine ranks. To find out what kind of service they carry, the very name of the rank will help us:

1. Yes, name Seraphim worn by the highest angels is translated in Hebrew as "flaming",

2. name Cherub means "an abundance of knowledge or an outpouring of wisdom"(Saint Dionysius).

3. Finally, the name of the third rank of the first triad is Thrones designates the Angels withdrawn from everything earthly, and shows us the desire of these Angels "to cleave unmovingly and firmly to the Lord."

Accordingly, one can understand the properties and qualities of the other two angelic triads.

dominance instruct earthly rulers to wise management.

Forces work miracles and send down the grace of miracles to the saints of God

Authorities have the power to tame the power of the devil. They reflect all our temptations and also have power over the elements of nature.

Beginnings govern the universe, the laws of nature, protect peoples, tribes, countries.

Archangels they proclaim the great and glorious mysteries of God. They are the bearers of the revelation of God.

are present in every person, they inspire spiritual life and keep in everyday life.

Opinion Dionysius the Areopagite should not be taken for granted. In the holy fathers (and even in St. Dionysius himself) we come across the idea that there are many more angelic ranks than nine, their ministries are more diverse than those listed above, but this is not open to us. The system of St. Dionysius is only an introduction to angelology, a starting point for further theological research.

Great John of Damascus, who himself greatly appreciated the work of Dionysius, summarized the opinion Orthodox Church about this question:

“Whether they are essentially equal or different from each other, we do not know. But God alone knows who created them, Who knows everything. They differ from each other in light and position; or having a degree according to the light, or participating in the light according to the degree, and enlighten each other because of the superiority of rank or nature. But it is clear that the higher angels communicate both light and knowledge to the lower ones.