Archangel
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(chief of the angels, highest angel) (1 Thess. 4:16; Jude 1:9). Nine different ranks, or degrees, of angels are indicated in Holy Scripture, namely: Seraphim, Cherubim, Thrones, Dominions, Powers, Authorities, Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. The names of the Archangels known from Holy Scripture are as follows: Michael, meaning “Who is like God” (Dan. 10:13; Jude 9); Gabriel (strength of God) (Dan. 8:16; Luke 1:26); Raphael (help, healing of God) [continued in next installment].
(Tobit 3:16), Uriel (fire and light of God) (2 Esdras 4:1), and Salathiel (prayer to God) (2 Esdras 5:16). Among the Archangels are also counted Jehudiel (praise of God) and Barachiel (blessing of God), whose names do not occur in Holy Scripture. In 2 Esdras (4:36) the Archangel Jeremiel (height of God) is also mentioned.