Please remember that we are gathering this evening to look at the angelic hierarchy and to discuss the different orders of angels disclosed to us in Scripture. The discussion this evening is being guided by the Celestial Hierarchy by the sixth-century Syrian theologian Pseudo-Dionysius. If you have time today, please read through Chapters 7, 8, and 9.
Dinner is at 6. The menu is take-out pizza. If you have a special request, please let Amy know immediately.
We know on the authority of Scripture that there are nine orders of angels, viz. Angels, Archangels, Virtues (Authorities), Powers, Principalities, Dominions, Thrones, Cherubim and Seraphim. That there are Angels and Archangels nearly every page of the Bible tells us, and the books of the Prophets talk of Cherubim and Seraphim. . . . St. Paul, too, writing to the Ephesians enumerates four orders when he says: “above all Principality, and Power, and Virtue (Authority), and Dominions”; and again, writing to the Colossians he says “whether Thrones, or Dominions, or Principalities, or Powers.” If we now join these two lists together we have five Orders, and adding Angels and Archangels, Cherubim and Seraphim, we find nine Orders of Angels.
Gregory the Great, Gospel Homily #34