Hierarchy of Heaven

People talk about angels or literally messengers, from the beginning of their existence, so there must be something true about it. There is a quasi-science about them called angeology, that says that there is  certain hierarchy in heaven, as on Earth (“…on Earth as it is in heaven…” Matthew 6:10). Firstly, angels closest to God are Thrones, than Cherubim and Seraphs. Archangels (describing any range higher than angel) everybody’s heard of are Michael, Gabriel, Uriel and Raphael. Let’s take a closer look on each one.

1. Archangel Uriel

Uriel brings the light of God’s knowledge to people. He is a prophecy interpreter, an Angel of Retaliation. His name means ‘Light of God’. Uriel is here to help us connect with divine, hear our inner voice and teach us how to heal and forgive. He is also called Angel of Salvation and thought to have a flaming sword which uses to release us from bad energy, emotionally painful memories from the past and help us become enlighten people.

2. Archangel Gabriel

Gabriel is main ‘ambassador‘ in human world and his name means ‘Hero of God’. He is an Angel of Revelation. Gabriel is grandiose, richly dressed, and in Christian iconography showed as kneeling in front of Virgin Marry with his hand on his chest holding a roll, a scepter and a lily. Gabriel brings good news. In Muslim world he was the one who spoke to Mohammed. In Judaism he is the Angel of Justice and in Christianity he becomes an Angel of Mercy made of fire. In some other cultures he was drawn as female.

3. Archangel Michael

Michael is a prince of Heaven angels. He is the angel in charge of the whole Heaven army. His name means ‘God-like’. Michael is beautiful, young and strong and in Renaissance pictures he’s drawn in armor. He is a saint and protector of Catholic church and Hebrew people. Though the Bible doesn’t mention this, there is an old belief that Michael was the one who set Peter free from the dungeon and conducted him beside the guardians. Michael showed himself to Mohammed along with Gabriel. As many saints could levitate and be in several places at the same time, so could do Michael, he could be at three from seven ‘known’ skies. Michael is made of snow.

4. Archangel Raphael

Raphael is a seraph and leader of guardian angels; an Angel of Providence who beholds upon the human race. His name means ‘God’s Healer’ or ‘God Heals’. Raphael is usually pictured with a young man Tobias and his dog, whose travelings he follows faithfully. He is especially concerned for travelers and pilgrims – all those on God’s right way. That’s why he walks with a stick, in sandals, with quiver that is held by a belt tossed over the shoulder. He is very friendly creature, but in Islam he is an Angel of Death.

Those are the four main and well-known archangels, of course there are many many more, depending on culture and religion but these four are mutual for all.