Hymns to St. Michael the Archangel (đť„ž)
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In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Forgive me my sins, O Lord, forgive me my sins. The sins of my youth, the sins of my age; the sins of my soul, the sins of my body; my idle sins, my serious voluntary sins; the sins I know, the sins I do not know; the sins I have concealed for so long and which are now hidden from my memory: I am truly sorry, for every sin, mortal and venial, for all the sins of my childhood up to this present hour.
I know my sins have wounded Your sacred heart, oh my Savior. Through Your most bitter passion, let me be freed from the bonds of evil. Send forth St. Michael and the holy angels to defend me against the enemy, to guard my soul from temptation, and to lead me ever closer to You.
May their heavenly intercession strengthen my resolve that I may sin no more and love You with a pure and faithful heart now and forever. Amen.
Oh God, come to my assistance. Oh Lord, make haste to help me.
Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
First / highest hierarchy
Seraphim — Cherubim — Thrones
1. The first salutation.
(The Seraphim adore God, proclaim His holiness, and inflame others with divine love.)
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Seraphim, may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect love. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
2) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
3) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
2. The second salutation.
(The Cherubim guard sacred places and reveal divine secrets.)
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Cherubim, may the Lord grant us the grace to flee from sin and pursue Christian perfection. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
2) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
3) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
3. The third salutation.
(The Thrones surround God in worship and proclaim His holiness.)
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Thrones, may the Lord pour into our hearts the spirit of true and sincere humility. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
2) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
3) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Second (Middle) Hierarchy
Dominions — Virtues — Powers
4. The fourth salutation.
(The Dominions govern the natural and spiritual realms, maintaining order in creation.)
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Dominions, may the Lord grant us the grace to govern our senses and correct evil passions. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
2) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
3) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
5. The fifth salutation.
(The Virtues uphold moral and spiritual laws, guiding the universe toward God’s will.)
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Virtues, may the Lord lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
2) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
3) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
6. The sixth salutation.
(The Powers protect and defend creation, especially against evil forces.)
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Powers, may the Lord protect our souls from the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
2) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
3) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Third (Lowest) Hierarchy
Principalities — Archangels — Angels
7. The seventh salutation.
(The Principalities oversee nations and peoples, guiding them morally and spiritually.)
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Principalities, may the Lord fill our souls with the spirit of true and sincere obedience. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
2) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
3) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
8. The eighth salutation.
(The Archangels serve as messengers and protectors, often delivering divine messages to humans.)
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Archangels, may the Lord grant us the grace of perseverance in faith and in good works, so we may attain the glory of paradise. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
2) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
3) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
9. The ninth salutation.
(The Angels watch over individuals, pray for them, and assist in God’s plan.)
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Angels, may the Lord grant that we may be guarded by them in this mortal life, so that we may be led by them to the eternal glory of heaven. Amen.
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
1) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
2) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
3) Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
M. In honor of St. Michael:
(St. Michael is mentioned in the Bible at: Daniel 10:13, Daniel 10:21; Daniel 12:1; Jude 1:9; and Revelation 12:7.)
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
G. In honor of St. Gabriel:
(St. Gabriel is mentioned in the Bible at: Daniel 8:16; Luke 1:19; and Luke 1:26.)
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
R. In honor of St. Raphael:
(St. Raphael is mentioned in the Bible at: Tobit 3:25; Tobit 5:17, Tobit 6:16; and Tobit 12:15.)
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
A. In honor of our Guardian Angel.
(Our Guardian Angel is mentioned in the Bible at: Psalm 33:8; Psalm 90:11; and Matthew 18:10.)
Our Father, Who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Most glorious Saint Michael, chief and prince of the heavenly armies, faithful guardian of souls, conqueror of rebellious spirits, beloved of the house of God, our admirable guide after Christ: You whose excellence and virtues are most eminent, dain to deliver us from all evils, we who turn to you with confidence, and grant that through your incomparable protection, we may grow in faithfulness each day through our service to God. Amen.
Pray for us, O glorious St. Michael, prince of the church of Jesus Christ, that we may be made worthy of His promises.
Let us pray. Almighty and eternal God, who by a prodigy of goodness and mercy for the salvation of mankind, chose the most glorious archangel St. Michael as prince of Your church; make us worthy, we beseech You, to be protected from all our enemies, so that at the hour of our death, none of them may disturb us, but grant that we may be brought by him into the presence of Your mighty and august majesty through the merits of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Little Litany of the Holy Angels
Lord have mercy on us.
Christ have mercy on us.
Lord have mercy on us.
Christ hear us.
Christ graciously hear us.
God the Father of heaven, have mercy on us.
God the Son, redeemer of the world, have mercy on us.
God the Holy Spirit, have mercy on us.
Holy Trinity, one God, have mercy on us.
Holy Mary, Queen of angels, pray for us.
Holy Mother of God, pray for us.
Holy Virgin of virgins, pray for us.
St. Michael, defender of God’s people, pray for us.
St. Michael, who cast out Lucifer and his rebels, pray for us.
St. Michael, who threw the accuser into hell, pray for us.
St. Gabriel, who explained the vision to Daniel, pray for us.
St. Gabriel who foretold to Zachariah the birth and ministry of John the Baptist, pray for us.
St. Gabriel who announced to Mary the incarnation of the divine word, pray for us.
St. Raphael who led Tobias safely home, pray for us.
St. Raphael, who delivered Sarah from the devil, pray for us.
St. Raphael who restored Tobit’s sight, pray for us.
All you holy angels who stand around the high and lofty throne of God, pray for us.
Who protect and guide us through the trials of life, pray for us.
Who carry our prayers and lead us to eternal peace, pray for us.
Who perform wonders by the power of God, pray for us.
Who protect and guide nations and rulers, pray for us.
Who rejoice over the repentance of sinners, pray for us.
Bless the Lord all you his angels.
You who are mighty in strength, obey his commands and hearken unto his voice.
Let us pray.
Oh God, Who wonderfully established the duties of angels and humans in marvelous order, mercifully grant that our lives may be protected on earth by those who always serve You in heaven through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Input – The Compiler’s Notes
Receive my private notes:
For the Nine Choirs with their ordinal numbers,identity elaborations and the prayers said to St. Michael for each choir, note the following:
CATEGORIES
Ordinal Number
Identity Elaboration
Prayer
INSTANCES
—————
Ordinal Number
First Salutation
Identity Elaboration
(The Seraphim adore God, proclaim His holiness, and inflame others with divine love.)
Prayer
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Seraphim, may the Lord make us worthy to burn with the fire of perfect love. Amen.
—————
Ordinal Number
Second Salutation
Identity Elaboration
The Cherubim guard sacred places and reveal divine secrets.)
Prayer
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Cherubim, may the Lord grant us the grace to flee from sin and pursue Christian perfection. Amen.
—————
Ordinal Number
Third Salutation
Identity Elaboration
(The Thrones surround God in worship and proclaim His holiness.)
Prayer
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Thrones, may the Lord pour into our hearts the spirit of true and sincere humility. Amen.
—————
Ordinal Number
Fourth Salutation
Identity Elaboration
(The Dominions govern the natural and spiritual realms, maintaining order in creation.)
Prayer
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Dominions, may the Lord grant us the grace to govern our senses and correct evil passions. Amen.
—————
Ordinal Number
Fifth Salutation
Identity Elaboration
(The Virtues uphold moral and spiritual laws, guiding the universe toward God’s will.)
Prayer
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Virtues, may the Lord lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from all evil. Amen.
—————
Ordinal Number
Sixth Salutation
Identity Elaboration
(The Powers protect and defend creation, especially against evil forces.)
Prayer
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Powers, may the Lord protect our souls from the snares and temptations of the devil. Amen.
—————
Ordinal Number
Seventh Salutation
Identity Elaboration
(The Principalities oversee nations and peoples, guiding them morally and spiritually.)
Prayer
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Principalities, may the Lord fill our souls with the spirit of true and sincere obedience. Amen.
—————
Ordinal Number
Eighth Salutation
Identity Elaboration
(The Archangels serve as messengers and protectors, often delivering divine messages to humans.)
Prayer
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Archangels, may the Lord grant us the grace of perseverance in faith and in good works, so we may attain the glory of paradise. Amen.
—————
Ordinal Number
Ninth Salutation
Identity Elaboration
(The Angels watch over individuals, pray for them, and assist in God’s plan.)
Prayer
Through the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial choir of Angels, may the Lord grant that we may be guarded by them in this mortal life, so that we may be led by them to the eternal glory of heaven. Amen.
Query: Prepare to query open data sources.
I question the history of this prayer.
Is it profitable for me to imagine that the accessible history of this prayer may be historically divided by:
Post-Vatican II to Present
During Vatican II
After Jesus’ Death to Pre-Vatican II
Or is some other outline for the historical treatment of the prayer better?
Reply:
A different outline would be substantially better. Your proposed “After Jesus’ Death to Pre-Vatican II” period is much too broad, because the Chaplet itself appears only in the 18th century. Current accessible accounts place its origin around 1750–1751, associated with Antónia d’Astónaco, and its important documented ecclesiastical milestone is 1851, when indulgences were granted under Pius IX.
For the historical investigation you have in mind, I would divide it:
- Biblical and Patristic Foundations — 1st century to c. 1750
Not the history of the Chaplet itself, but the history of its underlying material: St. Michael, angels, and the development of the traditional Nine Choirs. - Reported Origin of the Chaplet — c. 1750–1751
Antónia d’Astónaco; the reported apparition/private revelation; earliest ascertainable form of the nine salutations. This deserves its own period precisely because the historical documentation needs investigation rather than simply repeating later devotional accounts. - Ecclesiastical Approval and Pre-Vatican-II Transmission — 1851–1962
Pius IX and the decree/indulgences of 8 August 1851, followed by appearances in prayer books, Raccolta editions, confraternities, and other printed sources. - Vatican II and Immediate Liturgical Transition — 1962–1970
A useful separate period only if we find evidence that the Chaplet’s wording, indulgences, publication, or devotional treatment changed during this period. - Post-Vatican-II to Present — 1970–2026
Modern editions, changed indulgence discipline, translations, variations in wording, and contemporary dissemination.
So I would not make Vatican II the principal dividing line at the outset. The historically meaningful initial breakpoints appear to be c. 1750/1751 and 1851. Vatican II becomes a breakpoint only insofar as the evidence demonstrates an actual change in this particular devotion.
Query: Between your category numbers 2 and 5, is there a canonical form, are there substantial revisions of a more-nearly original form, and has any putative revision substantially departed from the essential form of the prayer, consonant with the difference in liturgical praxis and theology roughly before and after the Second Vatican Council?
Reply:
Yes, but with an important distinction.
There is a historically fixed core form, but I would hesitate to call every word of it a single “canonical text.” The strongest documentary anchor I find is the 8 August 1851 decree under Pius IX. It specifies the Corona Angelica as nine Our Fathers, each associated with three Hail Marys and the corresponding nine salutations, followed by four Our Fathers, and an antiphon and concluding prayer.
From the evidence presently accessible:
- The essential structure has remained remarkably stable. Nine salutations corresponding to the Nine Choirs; one Our Father and three Hail Marys with each; four concluding Our Fathers honoring Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and the Guardian Angel; then the concluding prayers. That structure is already documented in the nineteenth-century indulgenced form and remains the structure of contemporary versions.
- There are textual variants. For example, “perfect charity” becomes “perfect love”; “leave the ways of sin and run in the paths of Christian perfection” becomes “flee from sin and pursue Christian perfection.” Your WordPress version contains precisely this kind of modernization. These look primarily like translation/editorial variants rather than a reconstructed postconciliar theology.
- There is even a Virtues/Powers ordering problem: sources do not uniformly place these two choirs fifth and sixth. One historical treatment reports that the Raccolta has Powers fifth and Virtues sixth, whereas several contemporary English versions reverse them. That is a real textual-history question worth investigating.
- So far I do not find evidence of a Vatican-II-era revision analogous to the revision of the Roman Missal or other liturgical books. The Chaplet is a private devotion rather than a liturgical rite, and the modern versions I checked preserve the recognizably preconciliar substance.
Therefore, your proposed historical question becomes quite precise:
Was the Chaplet substantially rewritten after Vatican II, or are today’s differences principally translations, editorial adaptations, additions, omissions, and changes in indulgence discipline?
On the evidence so far, the answer points strongly toward the latter. I do not yet see evidence of a post-Vatican-II theological recasting of the essential Chaplet.
Query: Are the nine choirs divisible into units of three? Do such putative units of division have discrete names, or is this not a valid question?
Reply
Yes. It is a valid question, and the traditional scheme explicitly divides the Nine Choirs into three groups of three. Pseudo-Dionysius calls them three threefold orders; St. Thomas Aquinas subsequently treats them as three hierarchies, each containing three orders.
| Hierarchy / triad | Choirs |
|---|---|
| First / highest hierarchy | Seraphim — Cherubim — Thrones |
| Second / middle hierarchy | Dominions — Virtues — Powers |
| Third / lowest hierarchy | Principalities — Archangels — Angels |
The most useful discrete names are therefore simply First (or Highest) Hierarchy, Second (or Middle) Hierarchy, and Third (or Lowest) Hierarchy. They do not appear to have traditional proper names comparable to the individual names “Seraphim” or “Cherubim.”
Aquinas also gives a meaningful distinction among them: the highest is oriented most immediately toward God; the middle toward universal governance/disposition; and the lowest toward carrying that ordering into particular effects.
One caution relevant to your Chaplet: the ordering of the middle three has textual variations, whereas the threefold division itself is well established.
Query: Output three lines to reply to this query:
Give the non-specific designation, and the choirs, in three groups of three.
Do not diverge out into elaborations.
Output a simple table-format list.
Reply:
| Designation | Choirs |
|---|---|
| First (Highest) Hierarchy | Seraphim · Cherubim · Thrones |
| Second (Middle) Hierarchy | Dominions · Virtues · Powers |
| Third (Lowest) Hierarchy | Principalities · Archangels · Angels |
Query: Comment with relative terseness, merely sufficient but compace detail to distinguish the several categories:
Are there any traditional graphic depictions of the First, Second and Thirds Hierarchies?
Reply
Yes. There are traditional graphic representations, especially in medieval art, although there is no single mandatory iconographic scheme.
| Hierarchy | Typical traditional graphic treatment |
|---|---|
| First / Highest | Closest to God; often the most abstract or fiery: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones. Seraphim commonly have six wings; Thrones may appear as fiery/wheeled forms. |
| Second / Middle | Dominions, Virtues, Powers; more often anthropomorphic, sometimes distinguished by scepters, globes, crowns, rods, or other emblems of divine government and power. |
| Third / Lowest | Principalities, Archangels, Angels; generally the most human-looking, reflecting their closer relation to earthly affairs and humanity. |
Artists sometimes depict the three hierarchies as three concentric celestial zones around God, with each zone subdivided into its three choirs. Complete representations of all nine are comparatively uncommon.
Query: What are several specific graphic images that correspond with each division in that question?
Reply:
Yes. Several specific historical images depict the three hierarchies clearly enough for your purpose:
| Image | Treatment |
|---|---|
| Nine Angelic Hierarchies — medieval illumination | Particularly useful: visually separates the choirs into three horizontal groups of three, with distinct attributes. |
| Hildegard of Bingen, Scivias, Nine Choirs (12th c.) | Nine orders represented as concentric celestial circles; highly symbolic rather than naturalistic. |
| Francesco Botticini, Assumption of the Virgin (c. 1475) | Nine angelic orders arranged in the celestial realm above the Apostles; excellent Renaissance representation of the hierarchy. |
| Medieval illuminated manuscript of the Nine Choirs | Diagrammatic arrangement of the angelic orders around the divine center. |
For finding three separate illustrations—one representing each hierarchy rather than all nine together—the medieval iconographic tradition also gives useful distinguishing attributes: the First Hierarchy tends toward fiery/multi-winged imagery; the Second toward symbols of authority such as orbs, sceptres and weapons; the Third toward more recognizably human angelic messengers.