Although the ministering spirits in heaven are incorruptible and immortal, God did not favor that they should all be in the same order. On the contrary, it is ordained that the divine ministers should have principles, powers, and privileges. St. Ephraim the Syrian (25:225).

The nine ranks of Angels are named, according to their nature and activity: Thrones, Cherubim, Seraphim, Powers, Dominions, Powers, Principalities, Archangels and Angels. They are called incorporeal, because they are immaterial; clever, because they are minds; and hosts, inasmuch as they are "ministering spirits" (Heb. 1:14) of the King of all. In addition, they have common and proper names, that is, they are called Powers and Angels. The first is the proper name of one order, but according to their activity all nine orders are called Powers, because all can carry out the Divine will. Angels are also the proper name of one of the ranks, the first from us and the ninth from the Dread Throne; but according to their activity all are called Angels (Messengers), as those who proclaim to people the Divine commands.

St. Peter of Damascus (63:76).

Angels, Archangels, Thrones, Dominions, Principalities, Powers, Lights, Ascents, intellectual powers, or Minds, have a pure, unalloyed nature, unyielding or difficult to incline to evil. (They) rejoice unceasingly around the Cause (God)... (They) are either illumined by the purest, holiest illumination from the first Cause, or, according to the measure of nature and order, in another way (from the highest to the lowest) they receive illumination. St. Gregory the Theologian (13:50).

There is information about the seven highest Angels in the Revelation of St. John the Theologian, in the first chapter, where it is said as follows: "Grace to you and peace from Him who is, and was, and is to come, and from the seven spirits that are before His throne" (Rev. 1:4), and again: "I saw seven angels standing before God" (Rev. 8:2). In the book of Tobit, one of them says: "I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels" (Tob. 12:15) who stand before the Lord. These seven Angels are numbered by name in order in their rank as follows: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jehudiel; Barachiel. Each of them has his own special supreme service with the Lord God. In short, these ministries are manifested as follows.

Michael* is a servant of divine glory, a guardian and defender of God's honor. Gabriel2 is a servant of the divine fortress and an exponent of the hidden mysteries of God. Raphael3 is a minister of divine healings, miraculously poured out from above on the weak nature. Uriel 4 is a servant of divine love, light and fire, illuminating with the knowledge of God and inflaming the hearts of men with divine love. Selaphiel5 is a servant of divine prayers, always praying to God for the human race, teaching people fervent, God-thoughtful, and tender prayer, and inciting them to it. Jehudiel6 is a servant of divine praise and confession, a helper in labors and podvigs, strengthening those who labor in any way for the glory of the name of the Lord, interceding and preparing for them a reward from God. Barachiel7 is a servant of divine blessings and gifts sent to people by the grace of God. St. Demetrius of Rostov (103, 816) 8 .

1 Heb. - Who is like God. God-like. 2 The power of God. 3 The healing of God. 4 Fire or light of God, enlightener. 5 God's Prayer Book. 6 Glorifying God. 7 The Giver of God's blessing. 8 In the Holy Scriptures Jeremiah is also called "exaltation to God" (Ezra 4:36)

*Cm. e.g. Gen. 22, 10-12; 32, 1, 2; Nav. 5, 13-15; Court. 6, 11, 12; 1 Kings. 19, 5-7; 2 Kings. 1, 3; 1 Part 21, 16; Dan. 3, 49, 50.

Angels Serve Man

God commanded that the higher powers should serve the one who dwells on earth (man) - because of the dignity of the image with which man is clothed.St. John Chrysostom (39, 908).

It is miraculous that the visible light, by the command of God, was created for us, but it is even more miraculous that the holy Angels also serve our salvation. "The angel of the Lord encamps around them that fear him" (Psalm 33:8). "Are they not all ministering spirits, sent out to minister to those who are to inherit salvation?" (Hebrews 1:14). The Old Testament is filled with it, but there is also much such service in the New Testament. The Angel proclaims to the Most Holy Virgin the Son of God, Who cometh into the world and is born of Her in the flesh (Luke 1:26-38). An angel appears to Joseph, Her betrothed (Matt. 1:20; 2:13 and 19). An angel appears to Zechariah and announces the conception of the Forerunner (Luke 1:8-13). The angel proclaims to the shepherds the Nativity of Christ, the Saviour of the world (Luke 2:9-11). Angels sit on the tomb of the Risen Christ and preach the Resurrection to women (Luke 24:4-6). Angels appear to the Apostles at the Ascension of the Lord and announce to them the Second Coming of Christ (Acts 1:10-11). An angel leads Peter out of prison (Acts 12:7-9). The angel says to Philip: "Arise and walk" (Acts 8:26). An angel appears to Cornelius the centurion (Acts 10:1-6). Church history tells the same story. "A guardian angel is given to every faithful person and always sees the face of the Heavenly Father," writes Basil the Great. These holy and blessed spirits contribute to our salvation, so that we may diligently serve them and our Lord and thus be saved. St. Tikhon of Zadonsk (104:5-6).

*Cm. See also Acts. 12, 5-11.

These Minds (Angels) each accepted one part of the universe, or were assigned to one part of the world, as was known to the One who arranged and distributed all things. And all of them have one purpose – by the wave of the Creator of all, they sing the glory of God, behold the eternal glory, and moreover eternally... St. Gregory the Theologian (13:50).

They (the Angels) guard parts of the earth, rule peoples and places, as they were appointed by the Creator. St. John of Damascus (113, 130).