The familiar nine orders of angels are arranged in three groups in the Christian work The Celestial Hierarchy, attributed to Pseudo-Dionysius. In this scheme, seraphim, cherubim and thrones form the first group; they are not the only three orders.
For those drawn to the majesty of heaven, this hierarchy offers a way to contemplate divine order and the angels’ service to God. It belongs to a particular stream of Christian thought; other Christian communities, and Jewish and Islamic traditions, describe the heavenly realm differently.
The nine orders in three groups
| Group | Orders | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First | Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones | Chapter VII |
| Middle | Dominions, Virtues, Powers | Chapter VIII |
| Last | Principalities, Archangels, Angels | Chapter IX |
Seraphim, cherubim and thrones
Pseudo-Dionysius places this group closest to God. His interpretation connects the seraphim with purifying ardour, the cherubim with divine knowledge, and the thrones with steadfast receptivity to God. His language invites contemplation of holiness, knowledge and nearness to God.
Dominions, virtues and powers
The middle group is explained through qualities of divine likeness, strength and ordered authority. Names can vary between translations. When comparing another list, check both its terminology and the work it is translating.
Principalities, archangels and angels
The final group completes this scheme. Chapter IX describes archangels as occupying an intermediate place between principalities and angels, with angels communicating divine illumination to human beings.
Orders are different from individual names
Seraphim and cherubim are classes of beings in this account. Michael, Gabriel and Uriel are individual names discussed in particular texts and traditions. A hierarchy chart does not, by itself, establish every named figure’s membership or rank.
For names and profiles, use the A–Z directory. To distinguish a primary text from a later interpretation, see our sources guide.
Sources
Pseudo-Dionysius, The Celestial Hierarchy: chapter VI introduces the three groups, with VII, VIII and IX treating each group in turn. English text hosted by the Christian Classics Ethereal Library.