Part III — The Second Hierarchy: Governing Creation
For Lessons 9 & 10
10 min read
Personal Application
This supplement is a heart-to-heart companion to the preceding two lessons — addressing your immediate personal needs and practical application of the truths studied.
Supplement 5 — For Lessons 9 & 10: The Second Hierarchy and Principalities
Key Terms
Dominations (kyriotetes, "lordships") — The top choir of the second hierarchy; they direct the governance of all creation, channeling authority from the first hierarchy to the lower choirs.
Virtues (dynameis, "powers/forces") — Associated with physical power, the laws of nature, and miracles; they sustain the cosmic order and execute supernatural interventions.
Powers (exousiai, "authorities") — They defend the deep laws of creation and guard the integrity of the cosmic order; they introduce souls to higher realities.
Principalities (archai, "beginnings, rulers") — The top choir of the third hierarchy; guardians of nations, peoples, and ecclesial structures. Michael is the Principality of the Church.
Scripture Memory
Colossians 1:16 "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers — all things were created through him and for him."
Daniel 12:1 "At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people."
Romans 8:38-39 "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers... nor powers... will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
The Nine Choirs at a Glance
| Choir | Hierarchy | Defining Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Seraphim | 1st | Burning love — direct adoration |
| Cherubim | 1st | Fullness of knowledge |
| Thrones | 1st | Stability of divine authority |
| Dominations | 2nd | Direct governance of creation |
| Virtues | 2nd | Cosmic order; miracles |
| Powers | 2nd | Defense of creation's laws |
| Principalities | 3rd | Nations, peoples, the Church |
| Archangels | 3rd | Chief heavenly missions |
| Angels | 3rd | Personal ministry to souls |
Questions for Reflection
- 1 The Dominations, Virtues, and Powers govern the universe as a whole — not individual souls. What does it mean to you that God's care for creation extends even to cosmic law and natural order?
- 2 The Virtues are associated with miracles. The parting of the Red Sea Exodus 14:21, the calming of the storm Mark 4:39, the healing of the blind John 9:6-7. How does seeing these events as involving the Virtues change the way you read them?
- 3 Michael is the Principality assigned to God's people — first Israel, then the Church. How does knowing this affect your understanding of the prayer to Michael?
- 4 Principalities govern nations and civilizations. If every nation has an angelic Principality, what does this imply about how we should pray for our own nation?
- 5 Paul declares that no "powers" can separate us from God's love Romans 8:38-39. Why is it important to worship God and not any angel, however exalted?