Both the Greek and Hebrew words for "angel" mean "messenger." Angels often played this role in the texts of the Bible, but its authors often give this term another meaning. Angels are God's incorporeal helpers. They appear as people with wings and a halo of light around their heads. They are usually mentioned in Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious texts. Angels have the appearance of a man, “only with wings and dressed in white robes: God created them from stone”; angels and seraphim - women, cherubim - men or children)<Иваницкий, 1890>.
Good and evil angels, messengers of God or the devil, converge in a decisive battle described in the book of Revelation. Angels can be ordinary people, prophets, inspiring good deeds, supernatural bearers of all kinds of messages or mentors, and even impersonal forces, like the winds, cloud pillars or fire that guided the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Plague and pestilence are called evil angels. St. Paul calls his illness “the messenger of Satan.” Many other phenomena, such as inspiration, sudden impulses, providences, are also attributed to angels.
Invisible and immortal. According to the teachings of the church, angels are genderless invisible spirits, immortal from the day of their creation. There are many angels, which follows from the Old Testament description of God - “Lord of hosts.” They form a hierarchy of angels and archangels of the entire heavenly army. The early church clearly distinguished nine types, or "orders," of angels.
Angels served as intermediaries between God and his people. The Old Testament says that no one could see God and live, so direct communication between the Almighty and man is often depicted as communication with an angel. It was the angel who prevented Abraham from sacrificing Isaac. Moses saw an angel in a burning bush, although the voice of God was heard. An angel led the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. At times, the biblical angels appear just like mortals until their true nature is revealed, like the angels who came to Lot before the horrific destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Nameless spirits. IN Holy Scripture Other angels are also mentioned, such as a spirit with a fiery sword who blocked Adam's path back to Eden; cherub and seraphim, depicted in the form of thunderclouds and lightning, which recalls the belief of the ancient Jews in the god of thunderstorms; the messenger of God, who miraculously rescued Peter from prison, in addition, the angels who appeared to Isaiah in his vision of the heavenly court: “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the whole temple. Seraphim stood around Him; each of them has six wings; With two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.”
Hosts of angels appear several times in the pages of the Bible. Thus, a choir of angels announced the birth of Christ. Archangel Michael commanded a large heavenly army in the battle against the forces of evil. The only angels in the Old and New Testaments who have their own names are Michael and Gabriel, who brought Mary the news of the birth of Jesus. Most angels refused to name themselves, reflecting the popular belief that revealing the name of a spirit diminishes its power.
In Christianity, the host of angels is divided into three classes, or hierarchies, and each hierarchy, in turn, is divided into three faces. Here is the most common classification of angelic faces, which is attributed to Dionysius the Areopagite:
First hierarchy: seraphim, cherubim, thrones. Second hierarchy: domination, strength, power. Third hierarchy: principles, archangels, angels.
Seraphim Those belonging to the first hierarchy are absorbed in eternal love for the Lord and reverence for Him. They immediately surround His throne. Seraphim, as representatives of Divine Love, most often have red wings and sometimes hold lit candles in their hands.
Cherubim know God and worship Him. They, as representatives of Divine Wisdom, are depicted in golden yellow and blue colors. Sometimes they have books in their hands.
Thrones support the throne of God and express Divine Justice. They are often depicted in the robes of judges with a rod of power in their hands. They are believed to receive glory directly from God and bestow it on the second hierarchy.
The second hierarchy consists of dominions, powers and authorities, which are the rulers of the heavenly bodies and elements. They, in turn, shed upon the third hierarchy the light of glory they have received.
Dominations wear crowns, scepters and sometimes orbs as symbols of power. They symbolize the power of the Lord.
Powers they hold in their hands white lilies or sometimes red roses, which are symbols of the Passion of the Lord.
Authorities often dressed in the armor of warriors - conquerors of evil forces.
Through the third hierarchy, contact is made with the created world and with man, for its representatives are the executors of the will of God. In relation to man, the principles control the destinies of nations, archangels are heavenly warriors, and angels are messengers of God to man. In addition to the listed functions, the host of angels serves as a heavenly choir.
This plan for the arrangement of the celestial served as the basis for the creation and theological justification of the structure of the celestial spheres as the basis of the medieval picture of the world. According to this plan, the Cherubim and Seraphim are responsible for the Primum mobile and the sphere of the fixed stars, the thrones for the sphere of Saturn, the dominions of Jupiter, the powers of Mars, the powers of the Sun, the principles of Venus, the archangels of Mercury, the angels of the Moon. , the celestial bodies closest to Earth.
Beginnings- these are legions of angels protecting religion. They constitute the seventh choir in the Dionysian hierarchy, immediately preceding the archangels. The beginnings give strength to the peoples of the Earth to find and survive their destiny.
They are also believed to be the guardians of the peoples of the world. The choice of this term, like the term “authorities,” to designate the orders of the angels of God is somewhat questionable, since c. In the Epistle to the Ephesians, the “principalities and powers” are called “the spirits of wickedness in high places” against which Christians must fight (“Ephesians” 6:12).
Among those considered "chief" in this order are Nisroc, an Assyrian deity who is considered by occult scriptures to be the chief prince - the demon of hell, and Anael - one of the seven angels of creation.
The Bible says: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 8.38). By
classification of Pseudo-Dionysius. the beginnings are part of the third triad along with the archangels and the angels themselves. Pseudo-Dionysius says: “The name of the heavenly Principalities means the God-like ability to command and govern in accordance with the sacred order befitting the commanding Powers, both themselves wholly turn to the Beginningless Beginning, and others, as is characteristic of the Authorities, to guide Him, to imprint themselves as much as possible, the image of an imprecise Principle and, finally, the ability to express His supreme superiority in the improvement of the commanding Forces..., The heralding rank of Principalities, Archangels and Angels alternately rules over the human Hierarchies, so that the ascent and turning to God, communication and unity with Him, which from God graciously extends to all Hierarchies, begins through communication and pours out in the most sacred harmonious order."
ARCHANGELS
archangel Michael(Who is like God, Who is equal to God). Leader of the heavenly army. The conqueror of Satan, holds a green date branch in his left hand on his chest, and in right hand a spear, on top of which there is a white banner with the image of a red cross, in commemoration of the victory of the Cross over the Devil.
Archangel Gabriel (Fortress of God or Power of God). One of the highest angels appears in the Old and New Testaments as the bearer of joyful tidings. Depicted with candles and a jasper mirror as a sign that the ways of God are not clear until time, but are comprehended over time by studying the word of God and obedience to the voice of conscience.
Archangel Raphael(Healing of God or Healing of God). The doctor of human ailments, the chief of the guardian angels, is depicted holding a vessel (alavaster) with medicinal remedies (medicine) in his left hand, and in his right hand a pod, that is, a clipped bird feather for anointing wounds.
Archangel Salafiel (Angel of Prayer, Prayer to God). A man of prayer, always praying to God for people and rousing people to prayer. He is depicted with his face and eyes bowed (lowered) down, and his hands pressed (folded) with a cross on his chest, as if tenderly praying.
Archangel Uriel(Fire of God or Light of God). As an Angel of light, he enlightens the minds of people with the revelation of truths that are useful to them; like the Angel of Divine Fire, he inflames hearts with love for God and destroys impure earthly attachments in them. He is depicted holding a naked sword in his right hand against his chest, and a fiery flame in his left.
Archangel Yehudiel (Praise of God, Glorifier of God). The Archangel of God Jehudiel is depicted holding a golden crown in his right hand, as a reward from God for useful and pious works to holy people, and in his left hand a scourge of three black ropes with three ends, as a punishment for sinners for laziness in pious works
Archangel Barachiel (God's blessing). The Holy Archangel Barachiel, the dispenser of God's blessings and intercessor, asking for God's benefits to us: is depicted carrying white roses on his chest on his clothes, as if rewarding, by the command of God, for the prayers, works and moral behavior of people.
ANGELS
Angels live in the world of the Spirit, the heavenly world, and we live in the world of matter. Naturally they are drawn to home. Therefore, if you want the Angels to feel comfortable with you, you need to make your world - thoughts, feelings, environment - more similar to their world. To paraphrase “The Epistle of James”, we can say this: approach the Angels and they will approach you. (James A:8). Angels feel good surrounded by thoughts of peace and love, and not in an atmosphere of irritation and aggression. Perhaps you are unable to get out of your head, say, a rude driver who cut you off on the road in winter. However, it is quite possible to free yourself from irritation by starting to communicate with angels for at least a few minutes a day. Get rid of the irritants first. Turn off the radio and TV, go to a separate room or to your favorite corner of nature; imagine angels (this is helped by the image of your favorite angel placed nearby) and communicate with them. Just tell the angels about your problems. Speak as if you are sharing with yourself best friend. And then listen. Be silent and wait for the thoughts that the angels will send you to arrive. And soon your relationship with the angels will turn into an upward spiral; they will help you feel more positive. And a positive state will bring you closer to the angels.
Avdiel. The name Abdiel is first mentioned in the Bible (1 Chronicles), where he is a mere mortal, a resident of Gilead. Further, in historical and religious books, Abdiel (which means “servant of God”) is described as an angel.
The first mention of the angel Abdiel is found in the “Book of the Angel Raziel,” written in Hebrew in the Middle Ages. However, the most Full description The deeds of Abdiel are given in John Milton's book Paradise Lost, which retells the story of Satan's rebellion against God. During this rebellion, Abdiel was the only angel who remained faithful to God and refused to rebel against him.
Satan tried to convince Abdiel that it was he and his followers who were destined to rule in the kingdom of heaven, to which Abdiel objected that God is more powerful, since He created Satan, and not vice versa. Satan said that this was just another lie from the Father of Lies. Abdiel did not believe him, pushed aside the other rebel angels and struck Satan with a “powerful blow of the sword.”
Avdiel is also mentioned in “The Revolt of the Angels” by Anatole France, but here he appears under the name Arcade.
Adrammelech("king of fire") is one of the two throne angels, usually associated with the angel Asmodeus, and also one of the two mighty thrones present in Milton's Paradise Lost. In demonology, he is mentioned as the eighth of the ten major demons and as the great servant of the Order of the Flies, an underground order founded by Beelzebub. Rabbinic literature reports that if Adrammelech is invoked by incantation, he will appear in the form of a mule or a peacock.
Adrammelech, who is identified with the Babylonian Anu and the Ammonite Moloch, is mentioned in various sources, such as, for example, the History of Magic, where he appears in the guise of a horse; he is considered the god to whom the children of the Sepharawi colony in Samaria are sacrificed, he is mentioned both as an idol of the Assyrians and as a fallen angel defeated in battle by Uriel and Raphael.
Azazel(Aramaic: רמשנאל, Hebrew: עזאזל, Arabic: عزازل) - according to the beliefs of the ancient Jews, he is a demon of the desert.
The legend about Azazel as one of the fallen angels arose quite late (no earlier than the 3rd century BC) in the Jewish environment, and was recorded, in particular, in the famous apocryphal book of Enoch. In the book of Enoch, Azazel is the leader of the antediluvian giants who rebelled against God. He taught men to fight, and women - the art of deception, seduced people into godlessness and taught them debauchery. In the end he was tied, by God's command, to a desert rock. This is what apocryphal literature tells.
In the Pentateuch and in Talmudic literature, the name Azazel is associated with the idea of a general atonement for the sins of the people. This idea was embodied in a special ritual: two goats were brought; one was intended (by lot) for the “Lord” as a sacrifice, the other for the remission of sins. The latter was “released” into the desert, and then thrown into the abyss from a cliff. It was he who was called the “scapegoat.” In non-Jewish translations, and later in Jewish tradition, the word "Azazel" came to be seen as the name of this goat.
Asmodeus. The name Asmodeus means "creature (or being) of judgment." Originally a Persian demon, Asmodeus later entered the scriptures where he was known as the "furious devil." Asmodeus (also known by the names Saturn and Marcolf, or Morolf) is responsible for the creation of the carousel, music, dance and drama.
In legends, Asmodeus is considered the father-in-law of the demon Bar-Shalmon. Demonologists claim that to summon Asmodeus, you must bare your head, otherwise he will deceive the caller. Asmodeus also takes care of gambling houses.
Belphegor(God of Discovery) was once an angel in the rank of principles - the lower triad in the traditional hierarchy of angels, consisting of nine ranks or ranks. Later, in ancient Moab, he became the god of debauchery. In Hell, Belphegor is the demon of invention, and when summoned, he appears in the guise of a young woman.
Dabbiel(also Dubiel, or Dobiel) is known as the guardian angel of Persia. In ancient times, the fate of each nation was determined by the actions of a guardian angel who represented that nation in heaven. The angels fought among themselves in order to win the mercy of God, which would decide the fate of each specific people.
At that time, Israel's guardian angel, Gabriel, was deprived of God's mercy because he allowed himself to intervene when the angry Lord wanted to destroy Israel. Gabriel's attempts to stop the Lord were partially successful; Although most of Israel was devastated, some noble Jews managed to escape, and they were taken into captivity by the Babylonians.
Dabbiel was allowed to take Gabriel's place in the circle close to the Lord, and he immediately took advantage of this situation. He soon arranged for the Persians to conquer large swathes of territory, and the great expansion of Persia in the period from 500 to 300 IT. BC. was considered the merit of Dabbiel. However, his power lasted only 21 days, and then Gabriel convinced God to allow him to return to his rightful place, removing the ambitious Dabbiel from there.
Zagged- the angel of the "burning bush" who played an important role in the life of Moses. He is the chief of the guards of the Fourth Heaven, although it is said that he resides in the Seventh Heaven - the dwelling of God.
Zadkiel. The name Zadkiel (other spellings: Tzadkiel or Zaidkiel) means "the righteousness of God." Various religious scriptures describe Zadkiel's appearance in different ways. Zadkiel is one of the leaders who assists Michael when the archangel enters battle.
Zadkiel is also said to be one of the two leaders of the Shinanim order (along with Gabriel) and one of the nine "rulers of heaven", as well as one of the seven archangels who sit next to God. Zadkiel - "angel of favor, mercy, memory and leader of the rank of dominions."
Zophiel("seeker of God") - a spirit evoked by the prayer of the Master of Arts in Solomonic witchcraft rituals. He is also one of Michael's two chiefs. Milton mentions Zophiel in Paradise Lost as having informed the heavenly host of the impending attack of the rebel angels, while in Friedrich Klopstock's Messiah he is represented as a "harbinger of hell."
American poet Maria del Occident chose Zophiel as one of the main characters in her poem "Zophiel", inspired by a story contained in the apocryphal Book of Tobit. In this poem, Zophiel is presented as a fallen angel who retains the traits of his former virtue and beauty.
Yehoel considered to be the mediator who knows the "unpronounceable name" and also one of the kings of presence. He is also considered the "angel who restrains Leviathan" and the leader of the rank of seraphim.
He is mentioned in the Apocalypse of Abraham as the heavenly choirmaster who accompanies Abraham on his way to Paradise and reveals to him the course of history.
It is also supposed that Jehoel is a former name of Metatron, while the Kabbalistic book "Berith Menuha" calls him the chief angel of fire.
Israel("one who strives for God") is usually considered an angel in the rank of heyot - the class of angels surrounding the throne of the Lord. They are usually compared to cherubim and seraphim. According to the Book of the Angel Raziel, Israel ranks sixth among the throne angels.
In the Alexandrian Gnostic “Prayer of Joseph,” the patriarch Jacob is the archangel Israel who descended into earthly life from pre-existence. Here Israel is “the angel of God and the chief spirit,” while later Israel is presented as the archangel of the will of the Lord and the chief tribune among the sons of God. He also calls himself the angel Uriel.
Israel is also mentioned by the mystics of the geonic period (7th-11th centuries) as a heavenly being whose task is to convene angels to sing the praises of the Lord. The philosopher Philo identifies Israel with the Logos, while Louis Ginsberg, author of Legends of the Hebrews, calls him "the personification of Jacob before the throne of Glory."
Kamail(“one who sees God”) is traditionally considered the chief in the rank of authority and one of the sephira. In magical lore it is said that when he is invoked by a spell, he appears in the form of a leopard sitting on a rock.
Among occultists he is considered the prince of the lower aisles and is often mentioned as the ruler of the planet Mars, as well as one of the angels who govern the seven planets. In Kabbalistic teaching, on the contrary, he is considered one of the ten archangels.
Some researchers claim that Kamail was originally the god of war in Druid mythology. Eliphas Levi in his book "History of Magic" (1963) says that he personifies divine justice.
Other sources call him one of the "seven angels standing in the presence of God." Clara Clement, in her book Angels in Art (1898), considers him to be the angel who wrestled with Jacob, as well as the angel who appeared to Jesus during his prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Kohabiel("star of God") - a giant angel in folklore, responsible for the stars and constellations. Viewed by some as a sacred angel and by some as a fallen one, Kohabiel commands 365,000 lesser spirits. Kohabiel teaches his students astrology.
Layla. In Jewish legends, Laila is the angel of the night. She is responsible for conception and is appointed to protect souls at their new birth. As the legend goes, Laila brings sperm to God, who chooses what type of person should be born and chooses a pre-existing soul to send into the fetus.
An angel guards the mother's womb to make sure the soul does not escape. Apparently in order to help the soul survive these nine months in the womb, the angel shows it scenes from its future life, but just before birth, the angel gives the baby a click on the nose, and he forgets everything he learned about the future life. One legend claims that Laila fought on Abraham's side when he fought the kings; others imagine Lila as a demon.
Lucifer. The name Lucifer (“light giver”) refers to the planet Venus, the brightest object in the sky besides the Sun and Moon when it appears as the morning star. Lucifer was mistakenly equated with the fallen angel Satan, misinterpreting a passage of Scripture that actually referred to Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, who in his glory and pomp imagined himself equal to God (Isaiah 14:12): “As you fell from heaven, Lucifer, son of the dawn!
Just as the brightness of the morning star (Lucifer) surpasses the light of all other stars, so the greatness of the king of Babylon surpasses the glory of all eastern monarchs. The Babylonians and Assyrians called the morning star Belit or Istar, respectively. Others have suggested that the phrase "son of the morning" may refer to the crescent moon. And finally, still others claim that this is nothing more than the planet Jupiter.
The Devil acquired the name Lucifer after the early Christian theologians Tertullian and St. Augustine identified him with a shooting star from a passage in the book of Isaiah. They made this association because the Devil was formerly a great archangel who rebelled against God and was cast out of heaven.
The legend of the rebellion and expulsion of Lucifer as presented by Jewish and Christian writers depicts Lucifer as the main one in the heavenly hierarchy, as outstanding in beauty, strength and wisdom among all other creatures. It was to this “anointed cherub” that power over the earth was eventually given; and even after his fall and expulsion from his old kingdom, he seems to have retained some part of his former power and supreme title. According to the writings of the rabbis and church fathers, his sin was pride, which was a manifestation of complete selfishness and pure malice, since he loved himself above all others and never forgave ignorance, mistakes, passions or weakness of will.
According to other versions, his insolence went so far that he even tried to ascend to the Great Throne. In the mysteries of the Middle Ages, Lucifer, as the ruler of heaven, sits next to Eternity. As soon as the Lord rises from his throne, Lucifer, swelling with pride, sits down on it. The indignant Archangel Michael attacks him with weapons and finally drives him out of heaven and casts him into the dark and gloomy abode now destined for him forever. The name of this archangel, while he was in heaven, was Lucifer; when he came to earth, they began to call him Satan. The angels who joined this rebellion were also expelled from heaven and became demons, of which Lucifer is the king.
Lucifer is mentioned as the daystar in Ezekiel, in his prediction of the coming fall of the king of Tyre. Here Lucifer is an angel sparkling with diamonds, walking in the Garden of Eden, among the “fire stones.”
Lucifer could have been more of a hero early story about how the morning star tried to take the place of the Sun, but was defeated. This story arose because the morning star is the last to disappear from the sky, giving way to the rising of the Sun. It has also been suggested that this story is simply another version of Adam's expulsion from paradise.
Mammon. In folklore, Mammon is a fallen angel who lives in hell as the angel of stinginess, personifying greed and lust for profit. IN<Потерянном Рае>John Milton depicts Mammon as always looking down at the golden pavement of heaven instead of looking up at God. When Mammon is sent to hell after the heavenly war, it is he who finds the precious metal underground, from which the demons built their capital - the city of Pandemonium. In the Bible, Mammon is very hostile to God. The word “mammon” comes from the command of Christ in his sermon: “No one can serve two masters: for either he will hate one and love the other; or he will be zealous for one and not care about the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (wealth) "
Metatron- represents the supreme angel of death, to whom God gives daily instructions as to which souls to take that day. Metatron transmits these instructions to his subordinates - Gabriel and Samael.
He is also believed to be responsible for ensuring that there is enough food in the world. In the Talmud and Targum, Metatron is the link between God and humanity. Among the various missions and deeds attributed to him, there is one that allegedly stopped the hand of Abraham at the moment when he was ready to sacrifice Isaac. Of course, this mission is attributed primarily to the Angel of the Lord, as well as to Michael, Zadkiel or Tadhiel.
It is believed that Metatron lives in seventh heaven and is the tallest angel, with the possible exception of Anaphiel. The Zohar describes its size as "equal in breadth to the whole world." This is how the size of Adam was described in rabbinical literature before his fall.
Metatron is the first, and he is the last, of the ten archangels of the Briatic world. If we talk about seniority, then in fact Metatron is the youngest angel in heavenly kingdom. He was assigned various roles: king of angels, prince of the divine face or presence, heavenly chancellor, angel of the Covenant, chief among the ministering angels, and assistant of Yahweh.
Nuriel(“fire”) - the angel of thunderstorms and hail, according to Jewish legend, who met Moses in the second heaven. Nuriel manifests himself in the form of an eagle flying from the slope of Chesed ("kindness"). He is grouped with Michael, Shamshil, Seraphil and other great angels and is characterized as a “bewitching force.”
In the Zohar, Nuriel is depicted as the angel who rules the constellation Virgo. According to descriptions, his height is three hundred parasangs (about 1200 miles), and in his retinue there are 50 myriads (500 thousand) of angels. He is surpassed in height only by the Erelims, the observers, Af and Gemakh, and the highest heavenly hierarch named Metatron.
Nuriel is mentioned in Gnostic writings as one of the seven subordinates of Jehuel, the prince of fire. In his book Judaic Amulets, Shrier writes that the name Nuriel can be seen engraved on Eastern amulets.
Raguel. The name Raguel (spelling options: Ragiel, Rasuel) means "friend of God." In the Book of Enoch, Raguel is an archangel tasked with ensuring that the behavior of other angels is always upright. He is also the guardian angel of the Earth and the second heaven, and it was he who brought Enoch to heaven.
In Gnosticism, Raguel is on the same level as Telesis, another high-ranking angel. Despite his high position, for some reason for some unexplained reason, in 745 AD Raguel was rejected by the Roman Church (along with several other high-ranking angels, including Uriel). Pope Zachary called Raguel a demon “masquerading as a saint.”
Generally speaking, Raguil occupies a more prestigious position, and in the Book of Revelations of John the Theologian his role as God’s assistant is described as follows: “And He will send the angel Raguid with the words: go and blow a trumpet for the angels of cold and ice and snow, and wrap up those who on the left, with everything possible."
Raziel. Raziel is called "the secret of the Lord" and "the angel of riddles." According to legend, Raziel gave this book to Adam, and then envious angels stole it from him and threw it into the ocean. Then God allegedly ordered Rahab, the angel of the deep sea, to get this book and return it to Adam.
The book came first to Enoch, and then to Noah, who supposedly learned from it how to build an ark. Later, King Solomon learned magic from it.
Sariel(also known by several other names, including Suriel, Zerahel and Sarakel) is one of the first seven archangels. His name means "power of God" and he is responsible for the fate of angels who violate God's sacred rites. Although Sariel usually appears as a holy angel, he is sometimes referred to as having fallen from God's favor.
Sariel is considered the prince of existence, like Metatron, and also the angel of health, like Raphael. He is called "Sariel the Trumpeter" and "Sariel the Angel of Death" in the Falasha Anthology.
Sariel's name appears in Gnostic amulets; he is listed among the seven angels in the ophitic septenary system of primitive forces (Origen, Contra Celsum 6, 30). It is also known that when Sariel is summoned, he appears in the form of a bull. According to Kabbalah, Sariel is one of the seven angels who rule the Earth.
in Sariel is associated with the sky and is responsible for zodiac sign Aries ("ram"); he also informs the others about the Moon's trajectory. (This was once considered secret knowledge that could not be shared). According to Davidson, in occult teachings, Sariel is one of the nine angels of the summer equinox and protects against the evil eye.
Sariel also appears in the recently discovered Dead Sea Scrolls as the name on the shields of the "third Tower", also known as the "sons of Light", (There were only four "towers" - each separate group soldier).
Uzziel(“the power of God”) is usually considered a fallen angel, one of those who took the daughters of the earth as wives and had giants from them. He is also called the fifth of the ten wicked sephiros.
According to the Book of the Angel Raziel, Uzziel is one of the seven angels at the throne of God and one of the nine who oversee the four winds, he is ranked among the ranks of powers, and is also called one of Gabriel's "lieutenants" during Satan's rebellion.
Uriel, whose name means "fire of God", is one of the leading angels in the non-canonical scriptures. He is called variously: seraphim, cherub, "regent of the sun", "flame of God", angel of the presence, ruler of Tartarus (hell), archangel of salvation and, in later writings, Phanu-il ("face of God"). The name Uriel could come from the name of the prophet Uriah. In the apocrypha and the writings of occultists, Uriel is equated with Nuriel, Urian, Jeremiel, Vretil, Sariel, Puruel, Phanuel, Jehoel and Israfil.
He is often identified with the cherub, “standing at the gates of Eden with a fiery sword,” or with the angel, “watching over thunder and terror” (First Book of Enoch). In the Apocalypse of St. Peter he appears as the Angel of Repentance, depicted as ruthless as any demon.
In The Book of Adam and Eve, Uriel is considered a spirit (that is, one of the cherubim) from Genesis chapter 3. He was also identified with one of the angels who helped bury Adam and Abel in Paradise, and with the dark angel who fought Jacob in Peniel. Other sources depict him as the conqueror of the army of Sen-cherib, as well as the messenger of God who warned Noah of the approaching flood.
According to Louis Ginsberg, Uriel represents the "prince of light." In addition, Uriel revealed heavenly secrets to Ezra, translated sermons, and led Abraham out of Ur. In later Judaism he is considered one of the four angels of the presence. He is also the "angel of September" and can be summoned if the ritual is performed by those born in this month.
It is believed that Uriel brought the divine discipline of alchemy to earth, and that he gave man the Kabbalah, although other scholars claim that this key to the mystical interpretation of Scripture was the gift of Metatron. Milton describes Uriel as "the regent of the Sun" and "the most watchful spirit in the heavens."
Dryden, in The State of Innocence, writes that Uriel descends from the sky in a chariot drawn by white horses. In 745 AD, Uriel was rejected by the church council in Rome, but he has now become Saint Uriel, and his symbol is an open palm holding a flame.
He is identified with the “evil angel” who attacked Moses because he did not bother to observe the traditional rite of circumcision in relation to his son Gershom, although the book “Zohar” (1, 93c) attributes the same role to Gabriel: “Gabriel descended to earth in the form of a fiery flame in the form of a burning serpent> with the intention of destroying Moses “for this sin.”
Uriel is also considered the angel of vengeance, depicted by Proudhon in the painting "Divine Vengeance and Justice", located in the Louvre. Compared to other archangels, Uriel is very rarely represented in works of art. As a commentator on prophecy, he is usually depicted with a book, or papyrus roll, in his hand.
In Milton's Ontology, Cosmogony and Physics (1957), Walter Curry writes that Uriel "comes across as a devout but not very sensitive physicist with an inclination toward atomic philosophy." In the “Second Book of the Sibylline Oracle” he is described as one of the “immortal angels of the immortal God”, who on the Day of Judgment: “will break the monstrous bolts of the indestructible gates of Hades and throw them to the ground, and bring to judgment all those who suffer, and the ghosts of the ancient Titans and giants, and all those whom the Flood swallowed up... and they will all appear before the Lord and his throne."
In the scene of Jacob's struggle with the dark angel, a mysterious fusion of these two creatures occurs, and Uriel says: “I came down to earth to dwell among people and they will call me by name Jacob.” Some patriarchs are believed to have turned into angels (for example, Enoch allegedly turned into Metatron). The transformation of an angel into a man is noted only once - in the case of Uriel.
Hadraniel(or Hadarniel), meaning "greatness of God", is an angel appointed to guard the second gate of heaven. Standing over 60 Myriad Parasangs (approximately 2.1 million miles) tall, it is quite a terrifying sight.
When Moses appeared in heaven to receive the Torah from God, he was speechless at the sight of Hadraniel. Hadraniel believed that Moses should not receive the Torah and made him cry in fear until God appeared and reprimanded him.
Hadraniel quickly corrected himself and began to look after Moses. This help turned out to be very useful, since (according to the “Zohar” legend), “when Hadraniel declares the will of the Lord, his voice penetrates through 200,000 vaults of heaven.” According to the Revelation of Moses, "with every word, 12,000 lightning bolts burst from his (Hadraniel's) mouth."
In Gnosticism, Hadraniel is only one of the seven subordinates of Jehuel, the “king of fire” (King, p. 15). In Zohar I (550), Hadraniel tells Adam that he (Adam) has the “Book of the Angel Raziel,” which contains secret information unknown even to the angels.
To the begining
Angel(ancient Greek ἄγγελος, angelos - “messenger, messenger”) in Abrahamic religions - a spiritual, intelligent, sexless and ethereal being, expressing the will of God and possessing supernatural powers. The Bible calls Angels ministering spirits. They are often depicted as people with snow-white wings on their backs.
The angels do not know our strife, strife, wars, anger, hatred and envy. They are saturated with the sweetness of contemplating the beauty of the Divine and the knowledge of eternal wisdom. Thus, in the unceasing contemplation of God, in constant striving and exaltation towards Him, in the never-ceasing hymn of His immeasurable glory and greatness, angels live in heaven.
Angel Abilities:
The power of Angels is bestowed by God. He defines for any Angel the abilities that the Angel will have:
1. Be invisible to physical vision.
2. The ability to fly in the spiritual (Spiritual elevation, closeness to God).
3. The ability to manifest in the material: the ability to appear in the physical human body, the ability to influence the physical world. Vision through the thickness of time, the ability to read both human souls and people’s thoughts in their eyes, to get to the depths of the thoughts of a person’s heart and mind.
4. The ability to destroy entire cities.
5. Angels have free will to choose.
In Kabbalah, angels number from one hundred thousand to forty-nine million.
Kabbalah is a guide describing the path to God. And this path leads through palaces or countless halls where the help of angels is needed.
Eight main angels:
1.Anael- God listen to me
2.Gavriel- the power of God
3. Samuel- poison of God
4. Michael- God-like, leader of the heavenly army
5. Sashiel- God's justice
6. Raphael- healer
7. Cassiel- throne of God
8. Oriel- light of God
Above all Metatron- Voice of God
Spirits are the human soul freed from the body:
1. Pavael - the spirit of St. Joseph
2. Kafael - the spirit accompanying John the Baptist in the desert
3. Raphael - the spirit of Solomon
4. Getatia - the spirit of Moses
5. Uriel - the spirit of Ezra
6. Possessed - the spirit of the rod of Moses
7. Gethael - the spirit of Joshua
8. Gimel - the spirit of the serpent of Eve
9. Kamael - the spirit of personal courage
10. Ofil - the spirit of piety
11. Alepta - the spirit of Abraham
12. Gabriel - the spirit of Elijah
13. Samael - the spirit of John the Baptist
14. Michael - the spirit of Elesse
15. Vo-Ael - spirit of ghosts
16. Tetatia - spirit of virtue
17. Anael - spirit of knowledge
18. Thalet - the spirit of happiness (earthly paradise)
The seven main demons of the Devil (his guises):
1. Samael - the lord of the air and the angel of the Afterlife
2. Beelzebub - Lord of Darkness and Demons
3. Python - the spirit of divination
4. Belial - spirit of treachery
5. Asmodeus - demon - fighter
6. Lucifer - the spirit of astral light
7. Satan - the one who resists God
Above all these creations rises the angel of prayerful reflection about God. The path of prayerful reflection leads him to an ever more uplifting possibility of love, which is ultimately achieved by the realization that every life is holy, that every life is God and the transmission of love. Whatever we do in the divine ecstasy of prayer or prayerful contemplation represents an act of creation. And only such an act in God and through God creates new angels.
Angels were created by God before the creation of the material world, over which they have significant power. There are significantly more of them than all people.
The purpose of angels: glorifying God, embodying his glory, guiding and embodying grace for the glory of God (therefore they are a great help to those who are being saved).
Angels, just like people, have minds and their minds are more perfect than human ones. Angels are eternal. They create his spirit in a person’s soul and allow the human heart to form its own image.
In the angelic world, a strict hierarchy was established by God (subordination of 9 angelic ranks). The leader of the entire angelic army, Dennitsa is the most powerful, talented, beautiful and closest to God.
But one day he became so proud of his highest position among the other angels that he decided to rebel and take the place of God himself. Moreover, he managed to seduce many angels from different ranks. Then at that moment the Archangel Michael called on those who hesitated to remain faithful to God, led an army of bright angels, and struck Dennitsa (who began to be called the Devil, Satan, the Evil One and others, and others fallen angels- demons, demons, devils).
And there was a war in Heaven, as a result of which the evil spirits were cast into hell, where they organized themselves into the kingdom of Beelzebub, with the same angelic hierarchy. Fallen spirits are not completely deprived of their former power and, by God’s permission, can inspire people with sinful thoughts and desires, guide them and cause them pain. But good angels, who outnumber demons, also help people.
The name of a spirit is not the same as the name of a person. God is a spirit, and as a spirit, he names a being not by what is transitory (who would call a man by the brand of his jacket?), but by glory. The Angel's name is the name of his glory. The names of some angels are revealed to people: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Jehudiel, Salafail and others.
Guardian angels are spirits sent by God to every person even before birth.
Every person is also hunted by demons who want to destroy his soul with the help of inspired fears, temptations and enticements. (in the heart of every person there is an “invisible war” between God and the devil).
Each angel (and demon) has different abilities: some convey to people an understanding of the virtue of non-covetousness, others strengthen people’s faith.
Ranks of angels:
1. Angels
2. Archangels
3. Thrones
4. Dominations
5. Beginnings
6. Powers
7. Radiance
8. Climbing
9. Understandings
According to Dionysius the Areopagite, the angels are arranged in the following order:
1. First person (highest hierarchy)
2. Seraphim (Hebrew שׂרפים - burning, flaming, fiery, - Greek σεραφίμ - six-winged angels. They flame with love for God and encourage many to it.
3. Cherubim (ancient Greek χερουβίμ from Hebrew כרובים, kerubim - intercessors, minds, disseminators of knowledge, outpouring of wisdom) - four-winged and four-faced angels. Their name means: outpouring of wisdom, enlightenment. (Satan was from the order of cherubim).
4. Thrones (ancient Greek θρόνοι) - God-bearing - on them the Lord sits as if on a throne and pronounces His Judgment. Thrones (ancient Greek θρόνοι), according to Dionysius: “God-bearing”) - the Lord sits on them as if on a throne and pronounces His Judgment.
5. Second face (middle hierarchy)
6. Dominations (ancient Greek κυριότητες, lat. dominationes) - instruct earthly rulers appointed by God in wise governance, teach them to control their feelings, and tame sinful lusts.
7. Powers (ancient Greek δυνάμεις, lat. potestates) - work miracles and send down the grace of miracles and clairvoyance to the saints of God.
8. Authorities (ancient Greek ἐξουσίες, lat. virtutes) - have the power to tame the power of the Devil.
9. Third face (lower hierarchy)
10. Principles (archons) (ancient Greek ἀρχαί, lat. principates) - they are entrusted with managing the Universe and the elements of nature.
11. Archangels (chiefs of angels) (ancient Greek ἀρχάγγελοι -Michael) - heavenly teachers, teach people how to act in life.
12. Angels (ancient Greek ἀγγελοι - closest to people. They proclaim the intentions of God, instruct people to a virtuous and holy life. Gabriel; Raphael; (For Pseudo-Dionysius, the Archangel Michael is an “angel”); Seven Angels with gold bowls filled with the wrath of God; the Angel of the Abyss Abaddon with a chain and the key to the Abyss; Seven Angels with trumpets.
Even before creation visible world The Lord created his faithful servants, saints and disembodied spirits - Angels. Their purpose is to proclaim and fulfill His will. Even the word “angel” itself means “messenger”. They are faithful assistants Gentlemen in the fight against enemies and mediators between God and people. From their lips, honors are given to the Almighty for His ineffable mercy towards His creatures. In the Christian tradition, it is generally accepted that the entire angelic host is divided into three categories (triads). Each of them includes three angelic ranks. The position of an angel in one category or another depends on his ability or, as they say, knowledge of God.
The first is the highest triad
The names of the angels who make up the first - highest - triad and are directly adjacent to the Throne of God are Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones. Translated from Greek, the word “seraphim” means fiery. This fully reflects their burning love for the Creator and their ability to arouse it in others. The Lord endowed the Cherubim with all the depth of knowledge and abundance of wisdom. They know everything that is accessible to the knowledge of a created being. The thrones are filled with God's highest grace, as a result of which the Lord, dwelling in them, creates His highest justice.
Second - middle triad
Next is the middle triad. The names of the angels included in it are Dominance, Strength and Authority. The first of this angelic rank - Dominion - encourage people to dominate their passions, to overcome temptations and manifestations of the evil will of those spirits of darkness that are hostile to God and people.
The angels who make up the second group of this rank, the Powers, are filled with divine strength. It is through them that the Lord works miracles and bestows such ability on His righteous and saintly saints. By grace sent down through the angels of this rank, they work miracles even in the days of their earthly life.
Next comes the Authorities. Their destiny is to tame demonic forces and repel enemy temptations aimed at human destruction. In addition, they strengthen the spirit of God’s ascetics in their difficult work.
Beginnings - Angels of the lower triad
And finally, the third category. The names of the angels who make up this order are Principalities, Archangels and Angels. This group in the angelic hierarchy constitutes the lowest link, which is closest to people. Each component of this triad also has its own purpose.
The principles are a kind of rulers of the people, Guardian Angels of entire countries and continents. Thus, from the Holy Scriptures you can learn that the patronage of the Jewish people was entrusted to the Archangel Michael. They began to be put in charge of the Universe. In their dignity, they are higher than the Guardian Angels of individual people.
Archangels - evangelists of God
The Archangels following them are the highest Angels, the evangelists of God. They are entrusted with informing people about everything great and glorious that the will of the Almighty sends down. It is enough to recall the great mission of Archangel Gabriel, sent to the Virgin Mary. Archangels strengthen people's faith in God and enlighten their minds to know His will.
From Holy Scripture we know that there are seven of them. Evidence of this is contained in the Bible book of Tavit, where the Archangel, in a conversation with him, mentions that he is one of the seven Angels. Also in the Revelation of John the Theologian you can read about the seven spirits at the Throne of God. Church tradition mentions all the names of Angels. The list includes Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selathiel, Jehudiel, Barachiel and Jeremiel. Let's talk in more detail about each of them. The Holy Scriptures and Holy Tradition will help us with this, including the names of angels and archangels that interest us.
Briefly about each of the Archangels
Archangel Michael occupies a dominant place among the supreme angels. In the iconographic tradition, it is customary to depict him as a warrior in full battle garb, trampling a serpent or dragon. A similar tradition developed on the basis that in ancient times there was a clash in heaven between the Angels, the servants of God, and the spirits who had fallen away from Him. The fallen angels, whose names are also given in the Holy Scriptures, led by their leader Dennitsa, were cast out of heaven and became the servants of Satan.
Archangel Gabriel is often depicted holding an ancient lantern in one hand, with a candle burning inside, and a mirror in the other. This carries a deep meaning. A candle hidden in a lantern is a symbol of fate, hidden before its fulfillment, but even after that, comprehended only by those who look into the mirror of their conscience.
The name of the third Archangel Raphael means mercy. Therefore, it is customary to depict him holding a vessel with healing oil in his hands, alleviating the torment of the afflicted.
Uriel is the patron saint of those who devote themselves to science. He is depicted holding a downward-pointing lightning bolt in his hand. With the fire of divine love, he ignites human hearts and enlightens minds to the knowledge of truths.
Selaphiel is called the Archangel of Prayer. Accordingly, his image is characterized by a prayerful pose and rosary. His hands are reverently pressed to his chest, he himself is immersed in communication with the Almighty.
Archangel Jehudiel is represented on the icons holding in one hand a golden crown - a reward for the true servants of God, and in the other - a whip consisting of three cords, with which he protects them for the glory of the Holy Trinity.
And finally, Archangel Barachiel. He brings God's blessings to those who have been the fulfillers of His covenants in their lives. Suffice it to remember that Barachiel was one of the three Angels who appeared to Abraham and Sarah under the oak tree in Mamre and announced the imminent birth of their son Isaac.
The names of these higher Angels can be described as masculine in their sound. The names of female angels do not appear in this context.
Angels are representatives of the third group of divine spirits
But the closest to us are the Angels - representatives of the third, last link of this rank. The Creator entrusted them with special care for us. Among their host are Guardian Angels, given to each of us on the day of holy baptism. The names of angels are unknown to us, but they are invisibly present near us throughout our entire life journey. We don’t see them, but we can feel the closeness of our patron and mentor. To do this, we will try to find out as much as possible about him.
What angels have in common with us is that the Lord created them, like us, in His image. Despite their incorporeality, he generously endowed them with the ability to love, understand the world and be examples of the purest and most intelligent beings. These are examples of God's perfections, completely subordinate to the will of the Creator. Angels are endowed with the ability not only to communicate with each other, but also to understand what comes from the depths human souls. This gives us the opportunity to talk with them in prayer. Nothing pacifies and brings peace like direct communication with the Guardian Angel.
From the heritage of the holy fathers, we know that the fallen angels, whose names were crossed out from the Divine books, left empty places in the host of heavenly spirits, which must be filled by people. This suggests that we are destined to become part of the Angelic host. From here we can judge how pure and holy we should be in our earthly life.
Iconographic image of an Angel
We learn about how direct communication of Angels with living people and the souls of the dead takes place, first of all, from the Bible. It often gives a description of the angels who appeared to people. They are usually presented in the form of young men dressed in snow-white robes. The iconographic tradition also corresponds to this. The wings that are depicted in paintings contain pure symbolic meaning. Their task is to show the swiftness of the flight of the divine spirit.
Ethereality and sexlessness of spirits
In 787, at the Seventh Ecumenical Council in the city of Nicaea, it was decided to depict Angels only in male form. This is consistent with the fact that the Holy Scriptures mainly refer to male names angels. Whether they are male or female, in this case it is pure convention. Angels are spiritual beings, and spirits do not have flesh, therefore they are asexual. The spirit can appear to people in the guise in which it wishes, and therefore any image of it is symbolic. In principle, the names of female angels have the same right to exist as men, but we adhere to established traditions.
It should be borne in mind that the images of cupids accepted in Western European painting have nothing in common with angels. They are relics of paganism. From point of view Orthodox Church, all these creations of the Renaissance are nothing more than the fruit of the artistic imagination of the authors. You can talk about their aesthetic merits, but in no case should you look for any spiritual or philosophical meaning in them.
The limitations of our knowledge about the nature of Angels and Archangels
Our knowledge about Angels is limited to what the Holy Scriptures and Patristic literature reveal to us. A lot remains hidden from us. For example, the names of angels and demons are given only in the context of certain events; there is no list of them.
The same picture is observed in the literature of other religious denominations. When we open the works of the holy fathers devoted to issues of Sacred history, the names of Angels and Archangels mentioned in them also constitute only a small part of the entire vast host.
The same can be said about the number of angels and demons. We cannot know how many there are. For example, the holy Apostle John the Theologian writes in his “Revelation” that he saw “darknesses and thousands of thousands” of Angels at the Throne of God. These words carry only information about very large quantities without stopping at specific values. Equally unfounded are attempts to list the names of Angels and demons, of whom there are “thousands of thousands.”
Supernatural Power of Angels
And it is also necessary to mention the supernatural power of angels. The Bible provides many examples of this. Just remember how the Angels struck the inhabitants of Sodom with blindness, and did this without touching them, but only through an effort of will. Another Biblical episode paints a picture of how an Angel of God closed the mouth of a lion ready to devour Saint Daniel. Archangel Gabriel punishes Zechariah, who doubted the prophecy he uttered, with temporary muteness. In the New Testament we read how an Angel freed the holy apostles from prison, making the chains that bound them fall from them with one desire. This list can be continued for a very long time. The angels of God, whose names are revealed to us in Scripture, and their nameless brothers, perform supernatural deeds thanks to the power that the Lord gave them.
Names given at holy baptism
In our everyday life there is the concept of “Angel’s Day”, that is, name day. It is a mistake to understand that the word “angel” always means one of the host of those ethereal beings discussed in the article. In this case, a saint is often meant, whose name the birthday boy received at baptism, and not an Angel. The Orthodox name Ivan can be given to a person born on the day of memory of John the Theologian, and Peter - on the day of the apostles Peter and Paul. These saints, just like the Guardian Angels, are ours heavenly patrons, and, standing before the Throne of God, they pray to the Almighty to send us “earthly blessings and times of peace.”
Angel (ancient Greek ἄγγελος, angelos - “messenger, messenger”) in Abrahamic - a spiritual, intelligent, sexless and ethereal being, expressing the will of some higher powers or God and possessing superhuman and supernatural capabilities. The Bible calls Angels ministering Heb. 1:14. They are often depicted as people with snow-white wings on their backs.
The Greek word aγγελος angelos is a direct translation of the Hebrew. מלאך mal'akhʁh with the same meaning, from the archaic root לאכ, "to send", attested in Ugaritic; The Arabic word ملاك malak is borrowed directly from Hebrew.
Angels in Christianity
According to Christian teaching, all angels are ministering angels. They were created by God before the creation of the material world, over which they have significant power. There are significantly more of them than all people. The purpose of angels is to glorify God, to embody his glory, to direct and embody grace for the glory of God (therefore they are a great help to those who are being saved), their destiny is to glorify God and fulfill His instructions and will.
Angels, just like people, have a mind and their mind is much more perfect than a human one. Angels are eternal. Most often, angels are depicted as beardless youths, in light deaconal (ministry) vestments (surplice, orarion, bridles), with wings behind their backs (speed) and with a halo above their heads. However, in visions, angels appeared to people as six-winged (when Angels are not similar to humans in appearance, then their wings are like flowing streams of grace) and in the form of wheels dotted with eyes, and in the form of creatures with four faces on their heads, and like rotating fiery swords, and even in the form of bizarre animals (sphinxes, chimeras, pegasi, griffins, unicorns, etc.). In scripture they are sometimes called birds of the air.
In the angelic world, God established a strict hierarchy of 9 angelic ranks: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Powers, Powers, Principalities, Archangels, Angels. The leader of the entire angelic army, Dennitsa, the most powerful, talented, beautiful and close to God, was so proud of his highest position among the other angels that he refused to recognize man as a being equal in abilities to God (meaning man’s ability to create and see the essence of things), then is above him, he himself wanted to become above God, and because of which he was overthrown.
Moreover, he managed to seduce many angels from different ranks. And at that moment, Archangel Michael called on those who hesitated to remain faithful to God, led an army of bright angels, and struck down Dennitsa (who began to be called the devil, Satan, the evil one, etc., and other fallen angels - demons, devils, etc.).
And there was a war in Heaven, as a result of which the evil spirits were cast into the “underworld of the earth,” that is, into hell, where they organized themselves into the kingdom of Beelzebub, with the same angelic hierarchy. The fallen are not completely deprived of their former power and, by God’s permission, can instill sinful thoughts and desires in people, guide them and cause them pain. But good angels also help people, of whom there are more than demons (the Apocalypse says that the serpent (Lucifer) carried away a third of the stars (angels)).
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An angel (ancient Greek ἄγγελος, angelos - “messenger, messenger”) in Abrahamic religions is a spiritual, intelligent, sexless and ethereal being, expressing the will of some higher powers or God and possessing superhuman and supernatural capabilities. The Bible calls Angels ministering spirits (Heb. 1:14). They are often depicted as people with snow-white wings on their backs. The Greek word aγγελος angelos is a direct translation of the Hebrew. מלאך...
The basis for the creation of church teaching about angels is the writtenin the 5th century, the book of Dionysius the Areopagite “On the Heavenly Hierarchy” (Greek “Περί της ουρανίας”, Latin “De caelesti hierarchia”), better known in the 6th century edition. The nine angelic ranks are divided into three triads, each of which has some peculiarity.
First triad – seraphim, cherubim and thrones - characterized by immediate proximity to God;
Second triad – strength, domination and power - emphasizes the divine basis of the universe and world dominion;
Third triad – beginnings, archangels and angels themselves - characterized by close proximity to humans.
Dionysius summarized what had been accumulated before him. Seraphim, cherubim, powers and angels are already mentioned in the Old Testament; in the New Testament dominions, principalities, thrones, powers and archangels appear.
According to the classification of Gregory the Theologian (4th century)The angelic hierarchy consists of angels, archangels, thrones, dominions, principalities, powers, radiances, ascensions and intelligences.
According to their position in the hierarchy, the ranks are arranged as follows:
seraphim - first
cherubim - second
thrones - third
domination - fourth
strength - fifth
authorities - sixth
beginning - seventh
archangels - eighth
angels - ninth.
Jewish hierarchical structures differ from Christian ones because they appeal only to the first part of the Bible - the Old Testament (TaNaKh). One source lists ten ranks of angels, starting with the highest: 1. hayot; 2. Ofanim; 3. arelim; 4. hashmalim; 5. seraphim; 6. malakim, actually “angels”; 7. elohim; 8. bene Elohim (“sons of God”); 9. cherubs; 10. ishim.
In "Maseket Azilut" the ten angelic ranks are given in a different order:1. seraphim led by Shemuel or Yehoel; 2. Ofanim led by Raphael and Ophaniel; 3. cherubim, led by Kerubiel; 4. Shinanim, over whom Tzedekiel and Gabriel were placed; 5. tarshishim, whose leaders are Tarshish and Sabriel; 6. Ishim with Zephaniel at their head; 7. Hashmalim, whose leader is called Hashmal; 8. Malakim, led by Uzziel; 9. Bene Elohim, led by Hofniel; 10. Arelim, led by Michael himself.
The names of the elder angels (archangels) vary in different sources. Traditionally, the highest rank is attributed to Michael, Gabriel and Raphael - the three angels named in bible books; the fourth is usually added to them Uriel, found in the non-canonical 3 Book of Ezra. A common belief is that there are seven higher angels (associated with magical properties numbers 7), attempts to list them by name have been made since the time of 1 Book of Enoch, but there are too many discrepancies. We will limit ourselves to listing the “magnificent seven” accepted in the Orthodox tradition: these are Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salafiel, Jehudiel, Barachiel, Jeremiel, headed by the eighth, Michael.
The Jewish tradition also assigns an extremely high position to the archangel Metatron, who in earthly life was the patriarch Enoch, but in heaven turned into an angel. He is the vizier of the heavenly court and almost the deputy of God Himself.
1. Seraphim
Seraphim are angels of love, light and fire. They occupy the highest position in the hierarchy of ranks and serve God, taking care of his throne. Seraphim express their love for God by constantly singing psalms of praise.
In Hebrew tradition, the endless singing of the seraphim is known as"trisagion" – Kadosh, Kadosh, Kadosh (“Holy, Holy, Holy Lord of the Heavenly Forces, the whole earth is full of his radiance”), considered a song of creation and celebration. Being the closest creatures to God, seraphim are also considered “fiery”, since they are enveloped in the flame of eternal love.
According to the medieval mystic Jan van Ruijsbroeck, the three orders of seraphim, cherubim and thrones never take part in human conflicts, but are with us when we peacefully contemplate God and experience constant love In our hearts. They generate divine love in people.
Saint John the Evangelist on the island of Patmos had a vision of angels: Gabriel, Metatron, Kemuel and Nathaniel among the seraphim.
Isaiah is the only prophet to mention seraphim in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament), when he recounts his vision of fiery angels above the Throne of the Lord: "Each one had six wings: two covered the face, two covered the feet, and two were used for flight."
Another reference to the seraphim can be considered the book of Numbers (21:6), where a reference is made to “ fire snakes" According to the Second Book of Enoch (apocrypha), seraphim have six wings, four heads and faces.
Lucifer left the rank of seraphim. In fact, the Fallen Prince was considered an angel who outshone all others until he fell from God's Grace.
Seraphim – In Jewish and Christian mythologyangels especially close to God.The prophet Isaiah describes them this way: “In the year of the death of King Uzziah, I saw the Lord sitting on a high throne, and the edges of His robe filled the whole temple. The Seraphim stood around Him; each of them had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And they called to each other and said: Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord of hosts! The whole earth is full of His glory/” (Is. 6. 1-3). According to the classification of Pseudo-Dionysius, together with the cherubim and thrones, the seraphim belong to the first triad: “... the most holy Thrones, the many-eyed and many-winged Orders, called in the language of the Jews Cherubim and Seraphim, according to the explanation of the Holy Scriptures, are in greater and more direct relation to the others
closeness to God... as for the name of the Seraphim, it clearly shows their incessant and everlasting desire for the Divine, their ardor and speed, their ardent, constant, unrelenting and unwavering swiftness, as well as their ability to truly elevate the lower ones to what is above, to excite and ignite them to the same heat: it also means the ability to scorch and burn. thereby cleansing them - always open. their unquenchable, constantly identical, light-forming and enlightening power. driving away and destroying all obscurity.
2. Cherubim
Word "cherub" means "fullness of knowledge" or "outpouring of wisdom."This choir has the power to know and contemplate God and the ability to understand and communicate divine knowledge to others.
3. Thrones
Term "thrones", or "many-eyed", indicates their proximity to the throne of God.This is the closest rank to God: they receive both their divine perfection and consciousness directly from Him.
Pseudo-Dionysius reports:
“So, it is right that the highest beings are dedicated to the first of the heavenly Hierarchies, since it has the highest rank, especially since the first Epiphanies and consecrations initially refer to it, as the closest to God, and the burning Thrones and the outpouring of wisdom are called
heavenly Minds because these names express their God-like properties... The name of the highest Thrones means that they
completely free from all earthly attachments and, constantly rising above the earthly, peacefully strive for the heavenly, with all their might
motionless and firmly attached to the truly Highest being,
accepting His Divine suggestion in complete dispassion and immateriality; It also means that they carry God and slavishly carry out His Divine commands.
4. Dominations
Holy dominions are endowed with sufficient power to rise above and free themselves from earthly desires and aspirations.Their duty is to distribute the responsibilities of the angels.
According to Pseudo-Dionysius, “the significant name of the holy Dominions... means a certain unservile and free from any low attachment to the earthly exaltation to the heavenly, not in any way shaken by any violent attraction to something dissimilar to them, but a dominion constant in its freedom, standing above of any humiliating slavery, alien to all humiliation, removed from all inequality to itself, constantly striving for true Dominion and, as much as possible, holyly transforming into perfect likeness to Him both itself and everything subordinate to it, not clinging to anything that exists by chance, but always completely turning to the truly existent and constantly participating in the sovereign likeness of God.”
5. Powers
The forces known as "brilliant or radiant" are angels of miracles, help, blessings that appear during battles in the name of faith.It is believed that David received the support of the Forces to fight Goliath.
The powers are also the angels from whom Abraham received his strength when God told him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. The main duties of these angels are to perform miracles on Earth.
They are allowed to interfere with everything that concerns the physical laws on earth, but they are also responsible for enforcing those laws. By this rank, the fifth in the Hierarchy of Angels, humanity is given valor as well as mercy.
Pseudo-Dionysius says: “The name of the holy Powers means some powerful and irresistible courage, if possible imparted to them, reflected in all their God-like actions in order to remove from themselves everything that could reduce and weaken the Divine insights bestowed upon them, strongly striving for the imitation of God, not remaining idle from laziness, but steadily looking at the highest and all-strengthening Power and, as far as possible, becoming Her image according to its own strength, completely turned to Her as the source of Power and descending God-like to the lower powers to impart power to them.”
6. Authorities
Authorities are on the same level as dominions and powers, and are endowed with power and intelligence second only to God's. They provide balance to the universe.
According to the Gospels, authorities can be both good forces and minions of evil. Among the nine angelic ranks, the authorities close the second triad, which in addition to them also includes dominions and powers. As Pseudo-Dionysius said, “the name of the holy Powers signifies an order equal to the Divine Dominions and Powers, harmonious and capable of receiving Divine insights, and a structure of premium spiritual dominion, which does not autocratically use the granted sovereign powers for evil, but freely and decently to the Divine as itself ascending , so holyly bringing others to Him and, as far as possible, becoming like the Source and Giver of all power and depicting Him... in the completely true use of His sovereign power.”
7. Beginnings
The principles are legions of angels protecting religion.They constitute the seventh choir in the Dionysian hierarchy, immediately preceding the archangels. The beginnings give strength to the peoples of the Earth to find and survive their destiny.
They are also believed to be the guardians of the peoples of the world. The choice of this term, like the term “authority,” to designate the orders of the angels of God is somewhat questionable, since c. The book of Ephesians refers to the “principalities and powers” as “the spirits of wickedness in high places” against which Christians must fight (“Ephesians” 6:12).
Among those considered “chief” in this order are Nisroc, an Assyrian deity who is considered in occult scriptures to be the chief prince of the demon of hell, and Anael, one of the seven angels of creation.
The Bible says: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor
Beginnings, neither Powers, nor the present, nor the future... can separate us
from the love of God in Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom. 8.38). By
classification of Pseudo-Dionysius. beginnings are part of the third triad
along with the archangels and the angels themselves. Pseudo-Dionysius says:
“The name of the heavenly Principalities means the God-like ability to command and control in accordance with the sacred order befitting the commanding Powers, both to turn completely to the Beginningless Beginning, and to others, as is characteristic of the Principality, to guide Him, to imprint in oneself, as far as possible, the image of the inaccurate Beginning, etc. finally, the ability to express His supreme superiority in the well-being of the commanding Powers..., The heralding order of the Principalities, Archangels and Angels alternately commands over the human Hierarchies, so that the ascension and turning to God, communication and unity with Him, which from God graciously extends to all Hierarchies, begins through communication and flows out in the most sacred orderly order.”
8. Archangels
Archangels - The word is of Greek origin and is translated as “chief angels”, “senior angels”.The term “Archangels” appears for the first time in Greek-language Jewish literature of pre-Christian times (Greek translation of the “Book of Enoch” 20, 7) as a rendering of expressions like (“great prince”) in the appendix to Michael Old Testament texts(Dan. 12, 1); then this term is perceived by the New Testament authors (Jude 9; 1 Thess. 4, 16) and later Christian literature. According to the Christian celestial hierarchy, they rank directly above the angels. Religious tradition has seven archangels. The main one here is Michael the Archangel (Greek “supreme military leader”) - the leader of the armies of angels and people in their universal battle with Satan. Michael's weapon is a flaming sword.
Archangel Gabriel - best known for his participation in the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary of the birth of Jesus Christ. As a messenger of the hidden secrets of the world, he is depicted with a flowering branch, with a mirror (reflection is also a way of knowledge), and sometimes with a candle inside a lamp - the same symbol of a hidden sacrament.
Archangel Raphael - known as the heavenly healer and comforter of the afflicted.
Four other archangels are mentioned less frequently.
Uriel - this is heavenly fire, the patron saint of those who devoted themselves to the sciences and arts.
Salafiel - the name of the supreme servant with whom prayer inspiration is associated. On icons he is depicted in a prayerful pose, with his hands folded crosswise on his chest.
Archangel Yehudiel - blesses ascetics and protects them from the forces of evil. In his right hand he has a golden crown as a symbol of blessing, in his left hand there is a scourge that drives away enemies.
Barachiel - the role of dispenser of heavenly blessings was assigned to ordinary workers, primarily farmers. He is depicted with pink flowers.
The Old Testament legend also speaks of seven heavenly archangels. Their ancient Iranian parallel is the seven good spirits of Amesha Spenta(“immortal saints”) finds a correspondence with the mythology of the Vedas.This points to the Indo-European origins of the doctrine of the seven archangels, which in turn correlates with the most ancient ideas of people about the sevenfold structures of being, both divine and earthly.
9. Angels
Both Greek and Hebrew words expressing the concept"angel" means "messenger". Angels often played this role in the texts of the Bible, but its authors often give this term another meaning. Angels are God's incorporeal helpers. They appear as people with wings and a halo of light around their heads. They are usually mentioned in Jewish, Christian and Muslim religious texts. Angels have the appearance of a man, “only with wings and dressed in white robes: God created them from stone”; angels and seraphim - women, cherubim - men or children)<Иваницкий, 1890>.
Good and evil angels, messengers of God or the devil, converge in a decisive battle described in the book of Revelation. Angels can be ordinary people, prophets, inspiring good deeds, supernatural bearers of all kinds of messages or mentors, and even impersonal forces, like the winds, cloud pillars or fire that guided the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. Plague and pestilence are called evil angels. St. Paul calls his illness “the messenger of Satan.” Many other phenomena, such as inspiration, sudden impulses, providences, are also attributed to angels.
Invisible and immortal. According to the teachings of the church, angels are genderless invisible spirits, immortal from the day of their creation. There are many angels, which follows from the Old Testament description of God - “Lord of hosts.” They form a hierarchy of angels and archangels of the entire heavenly army. The early church clearly distinguished nine types, or "orders," of angels.
Angels served as intermediaries between God and his people. The Old Testament says that no one could see God and live, so direct communication between the Almighty and man is often depicted as communication with an angel. It was the angel who prevented Abraham from sacrificing Isaac. Moses saw an angel in a burning bush, although the voice of God was heard. An angel led the Israelites during their exodus from Egypt. At times, the biblical angels appear just like mortals until their true nature is revealed, like the angels who came to Lot before the horrific destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.
Nameless spirits. Other angels are also mentioned in Scripture, such as a spirit with a fiery sword who blocked Adam's path back to Eden; cherub and seraphim, depicted in the form of thunderclouds and lightning, which recalls the belief of the ancient Jews in the god of thunderstorms; the messenger of God, who miraculously rescued Peter from prison, in addition, the angels who appeared to Isaiah in his vision of the heavenly court: “I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the whole temple. Seraphim stood around Him; each of them has six wings; With two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew.”
Hosts of angels appear several times in the pages of the Bible. Thus, a choir of angels announced the birth of Christ. Archangel Michael commanded a large heavenly army in the battle against the forces of evil. The only angels in the Old and New Testaments who have their own names are Michael and Gabriel, who brought Mary the news of the birth of Jesus. Most angels refused to name themselves, reflecting the popular belief that revealing the name of a spirit diminishes its power.
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