By Shanaz Joan Parsan
The First Hierarchy: Those Closest to God
(Seraphim – Cherubim – Thrones)
“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers.”
— Colossians 1:16
The first hierarchy of angels does not act outwardly but inwardly—they contemplate. They behold the face of God and, in beholding, radiate His perfection through the rest of creation. In their unending worship, they teach us that holiness begins not in doing, but in adoring.
1. The Seraphim – The Fire of Love
Scripture: “Above Him stood the Seraphim; each had six wings… and one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts.” — Isaiah 6:2–3
Meaning: “Seraphim” means burning ones.
They are the highest choir—pure flame, perfect charity. Their song, echoed in the Sanctus of every Mass, is the sound of eternal love.
Reflection:
The Seraphim invite us to burn with the same love that purifies rather than destroys. When faith feels cold, they rekindle it. When prayer becomes routine, they remind us that all prayer is meant to rise like fire toward heaven. To be touched by their flame is to love God without fear.
Invocation:
“Seraphim of holy fire, purify my heart. Kindle in me the love that consumes all selfishness and transforms sorrow into praise. Teach me to burn, and not to be consumed.”
2. The Cherubim – Guardians of Wisdom
Scripture: “He placed the cherubim, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to guard the way to the tree of life.” — Genesis 3:24
Meaning: “Cherubim” means fullness of knowledge. They are guardians of divine mystery, bearing insight that surpasses all earthly understanding.
Reflection:
The Cherubim teach the contemplative mind—the ability to see the world through God’s eyes. They hold the secrets of creation, but their greatest wisdom is humility: to know that all knowledge begins in wonder.
When confusion clouds our spirit, they whisper divine clarity. When pride inflates intellect, they remind us that truth is not possessed but received.
Invocation:
“Cherubim of holy knowledge, illumine my mind. Let all I learn draw me closer to Truth Himself. Keep me humble in wisdom, and teach me to see with the eyes of faith.”
3. The Thrones – Bearers of Divine Justice
Scripture: “The Lord has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all.” — Psalm 103:19
Meaning: Thrones are the living chariots of divine judgment and peace. They bear the weight of God’s perfect justice with serene humility.
Reflection:
The Thrones represent the balance of God’s will—the stillness beneath all movement, the calm beneath all change.
They teach us obedience not as submission but as harmony: to align the human heart with divine order. When we accept what we do not understand, we rest upon the Thrones’ serenity.
Invocation:
“Holy Thrones of divine balance, teach me to rest in the will of God. Let justice and mercy meet in my heart, and may I carry His peace wherever I go.”
(Pause for contemplation: Visualize the circle of adoration around the throne of God. Whisper three times: “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of hosts…”)
The Second Hierarchy: The Governors of Creation
(Dominions – Virtues – Powers)
“Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, His ministers who do His will.”
— Psalm 103 : 21
These choirs form the bridge between the contemplation of heaven and the motion of creation. Through them the harmony of God’s governance flows into time, sustaining all order, protecting what is good, and strengthening what is weak.
4. The Dominions – Lords of Divine Order
Scripture: “For by Him all things were created … whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities.” — Colossians 1 : 16
Meaning: “Dominions” (or Dominations) govern the duties of the lesser angels, ensuring that every act of creation serves divine purpose.
Reflection:
The Dominions teach that authority is a form of service. In a world where power so often wounds, they model power that heals—leadership rooted in humility and guided by truth. They remind us that order is not oppression but the music of justice.
Invocation:
“O Dominions of holy order, guide all who govern and all who lead.
Teach me to rule my own heart with charity, that I may serve rather than be served.”
5. The Virtues – Messengers of Courage and Miracles
Scripture: “Angels and authorities and powers being made subject to Him.” — 1 Peter 3 : 22
Meaning: The Virtues govern the heavens and infuse creation with strength and beauty. They are the bearers of grace that animates miracles and renewal.
Reflection:
When faith falters and discouragement whispers, the Virtues lift the heart again. They remind us that God’s strength is made perfect in weakness. Every act of persistence, every quiet return to goodness after failure, is their hidden miracle.
Invocation:
“Virtues of divine strength, fill me with the courage to endure and to hope.
Let my life be a testimony to Your power that works through love.”
6. The Powers – Defenders of Truth and Guardians of Peace
Scripture: “We wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world.” — Ephesians 6 : 12
Meaning: The Powers stand at the frontier between light and darkness. They restrain evil, protect creation from chaos, and guard human souls against the malice of the fallen spirits.
Reflection:
In times of conflict, whether in the world or within our own hearts, the Powers remind us that peace is not passivity but vigilance. To resist temptation is to stand with them in battle. They teach discernment, discipline, and holy courage—the quiet fortitude that says no to evil and yes to God.
Invocation:
“O Powers of divine justice, guard my mind from deception and my heart from fear.
Let me stand in truth, clothed in the armor of light.”
(Pause for contemplation: Imagine the vast order of creation moving in peace — the winds, the stars, the tides — all singing, “All things hold together in Him.” Colossians 1 : 17)
The Third Hierarchy: The Ministers of Humanity
(Principalities – Archangels – Angels)
“Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to serve for the sake of those who are to obtain salvation?”
— Hebrews 1 : 14
This final hierarchy carries heaven’s care into earthly life. Through them, divine governance touches history and the smallest human need alike. They are both guardians and companions—the nearness of God in unseen form.
7. The Principalities – Stewards of Nations and Communities
Scripture: “The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me… and Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me.” — Daniel 10 : 13
Meaning: Principalities watch over peoples, cities, parishes, and nations. They shape collective conscience toward justice and peace.
Reflection:
When a people forget God, the Principalities labor to recall them. They whisper to legislators who seek fairness, to citizens who pursue mercy, to communities that hunger for unity. They remind us that holiness is never only personal—it has a civic dimension.
Invocation:
“Holy Principalities, guard our homeland and our Church.
Inspire leaders with wisdom and citizens with charity, that the Kingdom of God may be mirrored on earth.”
8. The Archangels – Messengers of Revelation, Healing, and Strength
Scripture: “Michael and his angels fought against the dragon.” — Revelation 12 : 7
“I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God.” — Luke 1 : 19
“I am Raphael, one of the seven who stand before the Lord.” — Tobit 12 : 15
Meaning: The Archangels bridge heaven and earth. They bear messages that change history and defend humanity in spiritual warfare.
Reflection:
- St. Michael embodies divine strength—defender of truth and guardian of the Church.
- St. Gabriel is the herald of the Incarnation—the voice of God breaking into human time.
- St. Raphael walks beside pilgrims, healing body and soul.
Together they form a trinity of presence: protection, revelation, and consolation.
Their missions are not distant stories but living ministries—each moment of grace a small annunciation.
Invocations:
“St. Michael, defend us in battle; cast down the powers of darkness.”
“St. Gabriel, messenger of hope, teach me to listen for God’s word.”
“St. Raphael, healer of the journey, restore my heart and guide my steps.”
9. The Angels – Guardians of Souls
Scripture: “He will command His angels concerning you, to guard you in all your ways.” — Psalm 91 : 11
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for their angels always behold the face of My Father.” — Matthew 18 : 10
Meaning: The Guardian Angels are the most intimate ministers of divine care, assigned to each person from birth until death.
Reflection:
Every soul is accompanied. Your angel was present at your first breath and will stand by your side at your last. They inspire holy thoughts, warn against sin, and carry our prayers like incense before God.
Their presence is gentle, their joy unceasing. When you act in charity, they rejoice; when you pray, they pray with you.
Invocation:
“Angel of God, my guardian dear,
to whom His love commits me here,
ever this day be at my side,
to light and guard, to rule and guide. Amen.”
(Pause for contemplation: Imagine a vast chorus surrounding earth — millions of lights moving in harmony, each assigned to a soul. Whisper with them: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men of good will.”)
Closing Meditation – Living Among the Angels
To honor the angels is to live as they live: in adoration, obedience, and love.
Every Mass is a meeting of earth and heaven; every Eucharist an echo of their eternal hymn.
The more we choose purity over pride, charity over indifference, and truth over fear, the closer we move to their company.
The angels do not replace God; they reflect Him. Their light is borrowed flame from the Seraphic Fire, a reminder that all creation — seen and unseen — sings one song:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God of hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory.” (Isaiah 6 : 3)
Litany of the Nine Choirs of Angels
(for private devotion or Adoration)
“Bless the Lord, all you His angels, mighty in strength, who do His word.”
— Psalm 103 : 20
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father,
You are adored in the hymns of the angels and glorified in their ceaseless praise.
Through their intercession, draw our hearts into the harmony of heaven.
May their obedience become our courage,
their purity our peace,
and their song our joy.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
The Nine Invocations
1. Seraphim, Flames of Divine Love,
who burn before the throne of the Most High—
enkindle in us the fire of perfect charity.
2. Cherubim, Guardians of Divine Wisdom,
who gaze upon the mysteries of God—
enlighten our minds with holy understanding.
3. Thrones, Bearers of Justice and Peace,
who rest in the calm of God’s will—
teach us humility and serene trust in His plan.
4. Dominions, Lords of Holy Order,
who govern creation in obedience to the Word—
guide all who lead, that they may rule with mercy and truth.
5. Virtues, Heralds of Strength and Miracle,
who renew the world with divine power—
fortify us with courage and perseverance in faith.
6. Powers, Guardians of the Boundaries of Light,
who restrain the forces of darkness—
protect us from all deception and harm.
7. Principalities, Stewards of Nations and Peoples,
who inspire unity and peace among men—
watch over our country, our Church, and our homes.
8. Archangels, Great Messengers of the Most High—
Michael, defender of the faithful,
Gabriel, herald of the Incarnation,
Raphael, healer of pilgrims—
stand beside us in every trial and carry our prayers to God.
9. Holy Angels, our constant companions,
who guard and guide each soul entrusted to you—
be near us this day and always; lead us safely to heaven’s joy.
Concluding Prayer
O Lord of hosts,
may the choir of angels praise You without ceasing,
and may we, Your servants, join their song in purity of heart.
Let every word and act of ours reflect their obedience and peace,
until the day we behold Your glory with them forever.
Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Holy Michael, defend us.
Holy Gabriel, enlighten us.
Holy Raphael, heal us.
Holy Angels of God, guard us. Amen.
Notes and Sources
The Nine Choirs of Angels in Catholic Tradition
I. Scriptural Foundations
The hierarchy of angels, though fully systematized by later theologians, arises directly from Scripture:
- Seraphim – Isaiah 6:2–3 – The burning ones who sing the “Trisagion” (“Holy, holy, holy”).
- Cherubim – Genesis 3:24; Ezekiel 10:1–22 – Guardians of the divine presence.
- Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Powers – Colossians 1:16; Ephesians 1:21 – Heavenly orders under Christ’s sovereignty.
- Archangels – Tobit 12:15; Luke 1:26; Revelation 12:7 – Michael, Gabriel, Raphael as leaders and messengers.
- Guardian Angels – Psalm 91:11; Matthew 18:10; Hebrews 1:14 – Personal protectors of every believer.
These passages provide the biblical lattice upon which the Church’s later angelology rests.
II. Theological Sources and Development
- Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite, Celestial Hierarchy (5th–6th c.):
- First systematic arrangement of nine choirs in three triads:
Seraphim–Cherubim–Thrones; Dominions–Virtues–Powers; Principalities–Archangels–Angels. - Interprets hierarchy not as power, but as order that mirrors divine love.
- First systematic arrangement of nine choirs in three triads:
- St. Gregory the Great (Homilies on the Gospels, c. 600):
- Integrates Dionysius’s model into Western theology; his ordering becomes normative for the Church.
- St. Thomas Aquinas, Summa Theologiae I, q.108:
- Describes functions of each choir and their participation in divine providence.
- Explains how angels enlighten one another and minister to humanity.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church (1997), §§ 328–336:
- Affirms angels as “spiritual, non-corporeal beings” who “assist in the work of salvation.”
- Teaches that “from its beginning until death, human life is surrounded by their watchful care.”
- Liturgy and Tradition:
- The Roman Missal (Preface I of Angels) invokes them in every Mass: “And so, with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and Dominions…”
- The Feast of the Archangels (September 29) and Feast of the Guardian Angels (October 2) reinforce the living communion between heaven and earth.
III. Devotional and Historical Notes
- The Chaplet of St. Michael (approved by Pope Pius IX, 1851) structures prayer around the nine choirs, emphasizing protection, purity, and peace.
- The “Angel of God” prayer, attributed to 11th-century Benedictine use, remains the simplest invocation of the guardian angels.
- St. Francis of Assisi, St. Hildegard of Bingen, and St. Padre Pio wrote of personal experiences of angelic consolation and guidance.
- The Second Vatican Council (Lumen Gentium, §50) reminds us that devotion to the angels “does not detract from Christ but leads us to Him.”
IV. Recommended Reading
- Aquinas, Thomas. Summa Theologiae, I, qq. 50–113. Benziger Brothers, 1947.
- Catechism of the Catholic Church. 2nd ed. Vatican: Libreria Editrice Vaticana, 1997.
- Dionysius the Areopagite. Celestial Hierarchy. Christian Classics Ethereal Library, 1899.
- Gregory the Great. Homilies on the Gospels. Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, 2nd Series, Vol. 13.
- Pope Francis. General Audience: The Angels and Their Mission. Vatican Press, 2014.
- Ratzinger, Joseph. Introduction to Christianity. Ignatius Press, 2004. (on mediation and participation in divine order).
V. Final Reflection
In the Church’s theology, the angels are not mythic intermediaries but living symbols of divine love in motion.
To honor them is to honor the harmony of God’s providence—love ascending in worship and descending in mercy.
When we invoke the Nine Choirs, we enter the same eternal rhythm that fills heaven: adoration that becomes service, and service that returns to praise.
“Let all the angels of God worship Him.” — Hebrews 1:6