[Amos]

According to Rosemary Guiley, who wrote the book Encyclopedia of Angels, an angel is defined as "a supernatural being who mediates between God and mortals. The angels' primary duty is to shuttle back and forth between realms, bringing human prayers to heaven and returning with God's answers." The term "angel" comes from the Greek "angelos," which means messenger; in Hebrew the term "malakh" also means messenger, and in Persian the term "angaros" means courier.

Angels are grouped into nine different Choirs. Each Choir is a group of angels with the same mission. The nine Choirs are grouped into three classes. Each class contains three groups. The highest class of angels is known as Angels of Pure Contemplation. The three groups in the Angels of Pure Contemplation are the Seraphim, Cheribim, and the Thrones. They are endowed with the highest degree of knowledge and awareness of God. The middle class of angels is known as Angels of the Cosmos. The Angels of the Cosmos consist of the Dominions, Powers, and the Virtues. The Angels of the Cosmos assign the power and instruction they receive from the Angels of Pure Contemplation. The lowest class of angels is known as the Angels of the World. The three groups consist of the Prinicipalities, Archangels, and Angels. The Angels of the World give the power they receive from the Angels of Cosmos to the earth. According to Janice Connell, here is the ranking of angels into a hierarchy:


DIVINITY: UNCREATED ENERGY
CREATION: Created Energy
The Nine Choirs of Angels
ANGELS OF PURE CONTEMPLATION
Govern all Creation
1. Seraphim
2. Cherubim
3. Thrones
ANGELS OF THE COSMOS
Govern all the Cosmos
4. Dominions
5. Powers
6. Virtues
ANGELS OF THE WORLD
Govern all the World
7. Principalities
8. Archangels
9. Angels
Angels of Pure Contemplation:

Seraphim
The Seraphim are closest to God and sometimes referred to as "burning fires of love" because they are angels of the purest love. Rulers of the Seraphim are Seraphiel, Jahoel, Metatron, and Michael.

Cherubim
These are the voices of divine wisdom, possessing a deep insight into God's secrets. Chiefs of the Cherubim are Ophaniel, Rikbiel, Cherubiel, Raphael, and Gabriel.

Thrones
Thrones are the angels of peace and submisssion. They reside in the area of the cosmos where material form begins to take shape.

Angels of the Cosmos:
Dominions
These angels regulate the duties of the angels, making known the commands of God.

Powers
These are known as potentates. They fight against evil spirits who attempt to wreak chaos through human beings. The chief is said to be either Samael or Camael, both angels of darkness.

Virtues
The Virtues are sometimes referred to as "the shining ones." They Govern all of nature. They have control over seasons, stars, moon; even the sun is subject to their command. They are also in charge of miracles and provide courage, grace, and valor.

Angels of the World:
Principalities
These angels have "princely powers" and watch over the actions of the Earth's nations and cities. They also govern and protect religion on earth. Their chiefs are Requel, Anael, Cerviel, and Nisroc.

Archangels
The Archangels communicate between God and mortals. They are also in charge of Heaven's armies in the battle against hell, and supervise the guardian angels. They themselves are guardian angels to great people, such as heads of religions and states.

Angels
These angels are closest to the material world and human begins. They deliver the prayers to God and God's answers and other messages to humans.
All the angels of the nine Choirs are actively engaged in the mission of helping humans gain entrances into the Kingdom of Heaven.


A List of Angels:
Angel Gabriel:
The name Gabriel means "hero of God" or "the mighty one" in Hebrew. Gabriel sits at the left hand of God. Gabriel is connected to the delivery of important news. Gabriel is the angel who announces the coming birth of John the Baptist. Gabriel is best known for announcing the coming birth of Jesus. Gabriel appears to Mary and gives her tidings that she will become pregnant with a child who will be named Jesus. Gabriel is also the angel who appears to Joseph in a dream and warns him to take his family and leave Egypt.

Guardian Angel:
A Guardian Angel is bound to a person from birth to death. Guardian Angels' duties are to provide protection, guidance, and companionship (Guiley). Each human has their own guardian angel assigned just to them.

Michael the Archangel:
The name Michael in Hebrew means "who is like God" or "who is as God." According to the Encyclopedia of Angels, Michael holds numerous offices in heaven. He is the chief of the virtues and archangels, a prince of the presence, and the angel of repentance, righteousness, mercy, and salvation. Michael is the special defender of Catholics and the church. Michael is the angel who wages war against the forces of Satan.

Raphael:
The name Raphael in Hebrew means healer or doctor. Raphael is known as "the medicine of God" or "the shining one who heals." According to Guiley, Raphael is associated with the symbol of healing, is entrusted with the physical well-being of earth and humans, and Raphael is said to be the friendlist of angels. Raphael is the angel of joy, light, peace, prayer, and love.

Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Anael, Samael, Sachiel, Cassiel:
These seven angels always stand before the face of God. They are entrusted to govern the world.


Planetary Angels:
Sun--Michael
Moon--Gabriel
Mercury--Raphael
Venus--Anael
Mars--Samael
Jupiter--Sachiel
Saturn--Cassiel

Angels of the Days of the Week
Sunday--Michael
Monday--Gabriel
Tuesday--Samael
Wednesday--Raphael
Thursday--Sachiel
Friday--Anael
Saturday--Cassiel

The Hierarchy of Angels
by Melissa Ann Miranda