A detailed infographic explaining the hierarchical classification of the Nine Choirs of Angels in Christian theology.

An infographic titled 'Explanation and Hierarchy of the 9 Choirs of Angels' divided into three triads. The first triad includes Seraphim, Cherubim, and Thrones; the second includes Dominions, Virtues, and Powers; the third includes Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. Each entry includes biblical citations, a brief description, and a stylized illustration of their symbolic appearance.

EXPLANATION AND HIERARCHY OF THE 9 CHOIRS OF ANGELS 1ST TRIAD - CONTEMPLATE AND ADORE GOD DIRECTLY SERAPHIM ISAIAH 6:1-7 6 WINGS - 2 COVER FEET, 2 COVER FACE, AND 2 FOR FLIGHT Name means the burning ones, and they are Attendants at the Throne of God. They praise God singing, "Holy Holy Holy is the Lord of Hosts!" CHERUBIM EXD 25:18-21, EZK 10:14, REV 4-6 4 FACES AND 4 WINGS - 2 COVER FEET AND 2 FOR FLIGHT Name means the Fullness of Wisdom, and they Contemplate God's providence. Assigned to protect special places. THRONES EZK 10:17, COL 1:16, DAN 7:9 FLAMING, ROTATING RINGS COVERED WITH EYES Represent the steadfastness of the love of God. The contemplate God's power and judgment, and they appear as the most unlike the others when revealed. 2ND TRIAD - FULFILL GOD'S PLAN IN THE UNIVERSE DOMINIONS EPH 1:21, COL 1:16 Lord over the lower choirs and humanity. They take illumination from the higher hierarchies and govern the universe. VIRTUES EPH 1:21 Run the operation of movement in the universe. They are often associated with planets, elements, seasons, and nature. POWERS EPH 3:10, EPH 6:12 Assist in governing the natural order. They are warrior angels tasked with fighting the war against the demonic choirs. 3RD TRIAD - INTERACT & SERVE HUMANITY CLOSELY PRINCIPALITIES EPH 3:10, EPH 1:21 Princes of the lowest triad assigned to care and guard communities, kingdoms, states, and parishes. They are associated with transitions in power. ARCHANGELS JUDE 9, 1 THES 4:16, TOB Leader angels assigned to communicate and carry out God's important plans for man. Michael, Gabriel, and Rafael are the only 3 names we know. ANGELS LUK 22:43, MAT 18:10, HEB 13:2 Angels are closest to the material world and humanity. The lowest choir is where we get the majority of our personal guardian angels. DESIGN BY: CRISTOBAL ALMANZA © 2015 SOULPAINTER.COM *Angels are symbolically depicted with wings, but 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. SOURCES: SACRED SCRIPTURE, THE CELESTIAL HIERARCHY - PSEUDO-DIONYSIUS, AND SUMMA THEOLOGIAE - THOMAS AQUINAS