By Reverend Mother Mary Kateryn, H.P., D.D.
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In various religious traditions, an angel is a supernatural spiritual being who serves God. Abrahamic religions often depict angels as benevolent celestial intermediaries between God and humanity. Other roles include protectors and guides for humans, such as guardian angels and servants of God.
The word "angel" comes from the Old English "engel" and the Old French "Angèle", both derived from the Late Latin "angelus", which was borrowed from the Greek “Ἄγγελος” (Angelos) or "Angelia" (Ἀγγελία). The Hebrew equivalent is "Malakh", meaning messenger.
The Bible mentions Michael as an Archangel, but it does not explicitly detail a formal angelic hierarchy. The concept of a hierarchy is often attributed to later theological interpretations, notably those of Thomas Aquinas and Pseudo-Dionysius.
Thomas Aquinas, an influential 13th-century theologian, laid out a hierarchy of angels in his "Summa Theologica." This work was based on "De Coelesti Hierarchia" by Pseudo-Dionysius, a 5th-century theologian. The association with the earlier Dionysius of Athens gave it near-apostolic authority during the Middle Ages.
This hierarchy is closest to mankind, and their responsibilities reflect that. These angels can take human form.
Genesis 18:2-5 (NKJV)
"So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, and said, 'My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.' They said, 'Do as you have said.'"
Guardian angels fit into this category, with Archangels such as Gabriel and Michael often mentioned in the Bible and other religious texts. Archangels deliver important messages and are often seen as protectors.
These are part of the middle hierarchy and deal less directly with humans.
These are part of the highest angelic hierarchy, often seen as closest to God.
Many people report angelic encounters, including human-like figures offering help and then vanishing. Angel sightings also include images of "angels" in cloud formations or photographs capturing what appear to be spiritual beings.