Hierarchy and Interpretation of the Nine Choirs of Angels

In icons, there are three divisions of angels, and each has three ranks of angel. All together form the nine choirs/orders of angels. Here they are, in descending rank.

The First Choir

The first choir/order (Slavic лик/ lik, Greek: τάγμα/tagma) consists of the highest celestial beings who are attendants at the Throne of God.

• Seraphim (Slavic: серафимы — Greek: σεραφὶμ): Their name means "the burning ones." They are depicted with six wings and praise God singing, “Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of Hosts!” (Isaiah 6:1-7).
• Cherubim (Slavic: херувимы — Greek χερουβὶμ): Their name means "the Fullness of Wisdom." They are depicted with four wings and contemplate God’s providence, often assigned to protect special places.
• Thrones (Slavic: престолы — Greek θρόνοι): These represent the steadfastness of the love of God. They appear as winged rings/wheels, with eyes in the wings, or as normal angels holding a throne as their symbol.

The Second Choir

The second choir governs the universe and assists in governing the natural order of the heavens.

• Dominions (Slavic: господства — Greek κυριότητες): They lord over the lower choirs and humanity. They take illumination from the higher hierarchies and govern the universe. In icons, they hold scepters, censers, and mirrors.
• Virtues (Slavic: силы — Greek δυνάμεις): They run the operation of movement in the universe and are often associated with planets, elements, seasons, and nature. They are depicted as warriors with swords or holding mirrors.
• Powers (Slavic: власти — Greek ἐξουσίαι): These are warrior angels tasked with fighting the war against the demonic choirs. In iconography, they hold spears/lances or are shown as crowned and holding scepters.

The Third Choir

The third choir is closest to the material world and humanity, serving as intermediaries and guardians.

• Principalities (Slavic: начальства — Greek ἀρχαὶ): These are princes of the lowest triad assigned to care and guard communities, kingdoms, states, and parishes. They are often depicted holding crowns or staffs.
• Archangels (архангелы — Greek ἀρχάγγελοι): Leader angels assigned to communicate and carry out God’s important plans for man. In various icons, they hold scales or merely gesture.
• Angels (ангелы — Greek ἄγγελοι): Angels are closest to the material world and humanity. The lowest choir is where we get the majority of our personal guardian angels. They may hold souls in the form of infants, scrolls, or books.

Iconographic Depictions and Symbols

The symbols held by the various ranks of angels differ from example to example. In some 18th century icons (showing some Western influence, such as the Coronation of Mary), the nine ranks of angels are shown as the central image. In the icon pattern titled “Image of the Holy Nine Ranks of Angels,” the Thrones are dressed as bishops, while the Virtues are depicted as warriors with swords. Although angels are symbolically depicted with wings, they are purely spiritual beings that do not have a physical body; they can take on the appearance of man to better communicate with humans.

Summary Table of Angelic Ranks and Attributes