Start here. Last time we saw that the traditional hierarchy is divided into three spheres, each containing three choirs. The first sphere gazes eternally upon God, the second sphere governs the cosmos, and the third sphere ministers directly to humanity. We are diving straight to the second sphere here..

The Second Sphere is Known as The Celestial Governors

This middle triad receives the divine light from the first sphere and translates it into the governance of the entire cosmos. They are concerned with the workings of nations, the paths of history, and the leadership of the heavenly hosts.

Choir 4: The Dominions (The Lords of Virtue)

• Names: Greek: Kyriotetes (Κυριότητες). Sometimes translated as “Dominations.“
• Scriptural Foundation: Again, referenced by Paul in Colossians 1:16 and Ephesians 1:21 among the list of heavenly powers.
• Duty: The Dominions are the angelic administrators of the universe. They regulate the duties of the lower angels. Their name implies authority and leadership, but it is an authority that is serene and perfectly ordered, free from all tyranny. They are the bearers of God’s sovereignty over all creation, ensuring that the divine order is maintained. They are often depicted holding a sceptre and orb, symbols of their God-given authority.

Choir 5: The Virtues (The Bringers of Grace)

Names: Greek: Dynameis (Δυνάμεις). Meaning “Powers” or “Virtues.”

Scriptural Foundation: Mentioned in Ephesians 1:21. Their activity is seen in the miracles of God. Some Church Fathers associate them with the angels present at the Ascension of Christ (Acts 1:10) and the angel who strengthened Jesus in Gethsemane (Luke 22:43).

Duty: The virtues are the angels of miracles, encouragement, and grace. They are responsible for bestowing blessings from God upon the material world, often in the form of signs and wonders. They provide courage and strength to humans, helping them to remain firm in faith and to endure trials. They channel God’s power directly into our world.

Choir 6: The Powers (The Warrior Guardians)

Names: Greek: Exousiai (Ἐξουσίαι). Meaning “Authorities” or “Powers.“

Scriptural Foundation: Referenced in Colossians 1:16, Ephesians 1:21, and 1 Peter 3:22, where Christ is said to have gone into heaven “with angels, authorities, and powers in submission to him.”

Duty: The Powers are the warrior angels, the defenders of the cosmic order against chaos. They are the ones who contend against evil spirits (Ephesians 6:12). Their primary role is to protect souls from the attacks of the demonic and to protect the world from falling into complete disorder. They are the keepers of the divine boundary between heaven and earth, ensuring the safety of the cosmos from spiritual corruption.

Why This Matters for Us Today

This magnificent hierarchy is not just a celestial organizational chart. It reveals the beautiful, ordered, and loving nature of God. It shows us that His government is vast and perfect. It reminds us that we are not alone; we are part of a cosmic story of worship and redemption that involves these glorious beings.

Most importantly, it points us to Christ. For as Paul tells us, it is Christ Himself who created all these things, visible and invisible—”whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities” and it is for Him that they all exist (Colossians 1:16). Every angelic choir, from the highest Seraph to the humblest guardian angel, exists to glorify God and to serve His ultimate plan: the salvation of humanity through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Let us, therefore, live with the awareness of this unseen reality, joining our voices with the Seraphim in saying, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.”