Finally, the work of the last triad – Principalities, Archangels, Angels – is perfection. This is a more understandable and specific type of service. These Angels, who have been partaken of God's perfection and will, bring that will to us and thus help us to improve.

St. Dionysius also emphasizes the fundamental difference in the characteristics of the natures of the Angels, who make up different triads. If the angelic nature of the first, higher, triad can be described as light and fire, then in the second Dionysius notes power and material characteristics, and the third triad is understood perfectly, as service to the will of God addressed to the world.

St. Dionysius defined not only the general ministry of the triads of Angels, but also the specific ministry of each of the nine ranks.

And the very name of the order will help us to find out what kind of service they carry.

Thus, the name Seraphim, which is borne by the highest Angels, is translated in Hebrew as "flaming", and the name Cherubim means "abundance of knowledge or outpouring of wisdom" (St. Dionysius the Areopagite). Finally, the name of the third rank of the first triad, Thrones, signifies the Angels removed from all earthly things, and shows us the striving of these Angels to "cling motionlessly and firmly" to the Lord.

Accordingly, it is possible to understand both the properties and qualities of the other two angelic triads.

Dominions instruct earthly rulers to govern wisely.

The powers work miracles and send down the grace of miracles to the saints of God.

The authorities have the power to tame the power of the devil. They repel all our temptations and also have power over the elements of nature.

The Principles govern the universe, the laws of nature, protect peoples, tribes, and countries.

The Archangels proclaim the great and most glorious Mysteries of God. They are the conductors of God's revelation.

Angels are present with every person, they inspire spiritual life, preserve in ordinary life.

Of course, the opinion of St. Dionysius should not be considered indisputable. In the Holy Fathers (and even in St. Dionysius himself) we encounter the idea that there are many more than nine ranks of angels, their ministries are more diverse than those enumerated above, but this is not revealed to us. The system of St. Dionysius is only an introduction to angelology, a starting point for further theological studies of these questions.

The great John of Damascus, who himself greatly appreciated the work of St. Dionysius, summed up the opinion of the Orthodox Church on this question as follows: "Whether they are equal in essence or differ from each other, we do not know. Only God knows, Who created them, Who also knows everything. They differ from each other in light and position; or, having a degree according to the light, or according to the degree participating in the light, and enlighten one another because of the superiority of the order or nature. But it is clear that the higher Angels communicate both light and knowledge to the lower."