Have you ever heard that angels have a celestial hierarchy? According to the tradition of the Christian faith, especially in Catholicism and some strands of Orthodox Christianity, angels are organized into orders, with specific functions and different levels of closeness to God.

This idea is not just a theological curiosity: it reveals the spiritual richness and complexity of the invisible worldwhere angels act as messengers, protectors, warriors and intercessors - always in the service of good and divine will.

In this post, you will understand how the angelic hierarchy is formedWhat are the orders of angels and what does each one represent within the Christian faith?

The origin of the hierarchy of angels

The classification of angels into hierarchies was systematized by a 5th century theologian known as Pseudo-Dionysius Areopagite, who drew on biblical passages and spiritual traditions to propose the organization in nine angelic choirsdivided into three spheres.

These nine choruses are still recognized today by many Christian scholars and are often quoted in religious works, liturgies and spiritual studies.

Now let's understand how this structure works.

First Sphere: the angels closest to God

They are the ones most directly connected to the divine presence. They don't interact with humans very oftenbecause its main function is to worship, contemplate and fulfill God's will in its essence.

1# Seraphim

The Seraphim are described as beings of pure light and lovewho stand around the throne of God, constantly praising him. In the Bible, they appear in the book of Isaiah:

"They cried out to one another: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts." - Isaiah 6:3

They represent the supreme purity and unconditional love by God.

2# Cherubs

Often portrayed as guardians, the Cherubim are associated with divine knowledge. They were in the Garden of Eden, protecting the tree of life (Genesis 3:24).

They are angels of wisdom, who guard the heavenly mysteries and the glory of God.

3# Thrones

The Thrones are the bearers of divine justice. They support God's throne with balance and harmony, representing the stability and the order of the universe.

Second Sphere: heavenly rulers

This sphere takes care of cosmic administrationand influencing kingdoms, nations and great spiritual and earthly structures.

4# Domains (or Domains)

They are responsible for control the other angelsThey are the leaders, ensuring that everything follows the divine plan. They don't appear directly in the scriptures, but they are recognized for their leadership role.

They act behind the scenes, ensuring that spiritual order is maintained.

5# Virtues

Associated with miracles, the Virtues carry God's power over nature. It is they who, according to tradition, manifest the visible signs of divine power on Earth.

They inspire humans with courage, purity and spiritual strength.

6# Powers (or Powers)

They are warriors of the skyThey are responsible for fighting evil spirits and protecting humanity from temptation and spiritual destruction.

They are linked to spiritual combat, as quoted by São Paulo:

"Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against principalities and powers..." - Ephesians 6:12

Third Sphere: closer to human beings

Here are the angels who interact directly with usThey deliver messages, offer protection and intercede in our lives.

7# Principalities

These angels are in charge of protect groups, nations and institutions.
They guide leaders, influence decisions and maintain collective harmony.
They can inspire fair action and ethical choices at decisive moments.

8# Archangels

They are messengers of special missions.
The best known in the Bible are:

  • Miguelthe warrior of heaven, defender of God's people
  • Gabrielwho announced the birth of Jesus to Mary
  • Rafaelwho appears in the book of Tobit as a guide and healer

The Archangels work on great missions, bringing divine direction and revelation.

9# Angels

They are the closest to us. Every person, according to the Christian faith, has a Guardian Angelwhich has accompanied her since birth.

These angels inspire us, protect us, console us and help us make the right decisions.
They are present in the invisible battles of everyday life, even when we don't realize it.

Is there communication with angels?

Many believe that they are. Although angels should not be worshipped - for only God is worthy of worship, they can be invoked in prayer for protection, direction and spiritual strengthening.

Praying to one's guardian angel, for example, is a common practice among Christians:

"Holy Angel of the Lord, my zealous guardian, if divine mercy has entrusted me to you, always govern me, guard me, rule me and enlighten me. Amen."

Communication with angels happens mainly through intuition, signs, dreams and silent inspirations. They speak from the heart - not with human words.

Why understand this hierarchy?

Because it reminds us that the spiritual universe is not chaotic.
There is order, purpose and love in every detail of creation.

Knowing the angels and their hierarchy is also a way of understanding:

  • How God works at different levels of existence
  • That we are not alone in life's struggles
  • That there are invisible forces working for good
  • That the sky moves, even when we can't see it

Angels are signs that heaven is watching over the earth.
They walk with us, inspire goodness, protect innocence and strengthen those who seek the light.

Whether in the silence of prayer, the strength of a positive thought or the whisper of the soul, the angels are present.
And understanding your hierarchy is just the beginning of a deeper journey of faith, connection and trust.

See also: Prayer to calm the anguished heart and bring peace

May 6th, 2025