The word angel finds its genesis from the Greek word “anggelos” and Latin “angelus,” meaning a messenger. In common usage, it is used in reference to someone with divine beauty and charm, a cherub, ingrained with godliness and infinite virtues. The Old Testament and the Hebrew literature doesn’t specifically state if an angel is a mortal or a divine messenger, a bodiless divine spirit. The Bible states more affirmatively that an angel is a divine creature, a celestial envoy from God. The Bible however agrees that an angel may adopt a mortal form to accomplish its assigned mission.

Angels are not just messengers of god. There are different categories and hierarchy of angels. Dionysius, in the fifth and sixth century, explained the various categories. The Seraphim, Cherubim, and the thrones are the first in the hierarchy and are considered to be heavenly counselors. Domination, virtue, and power rank second in the hierarchy and are the divine governors acting out the wishes of the counselors. The archangels are the third category, with principalities acting as protectors of nations, archangels as guardian angels, and the last among archangels are those who are closest to the humans. The last categories of angels that generally come in touch with human beings also have many subcategories among them.

Angels were created by the Almighty to act upon His divine will and execute His supreme providence. God is the all and end all. He is holiness personified, and therefore not accessible to mortal beings afflicted by cardinal sins. The angels serve as the intermediary between God and humans. They work for God in the interest of mortals. In other words, God works through rectors of his will, the angels. Angels are not synonymous with spirit guides. Unlike the spirit guides who intend to dictate and control one’s life, angels merely perform their consigned duties. They can be consoling, gentle, rescuers as well as swift, ruthless implementers of justice, all in complete adherence to the Divine Will.

Angels are said to have existed since time immemorial. They are invested with supernatural powers and are emancipated from mortal afflictions like death, illness, etc. They are immortal and free from the human failings and frailties. Being bestowed with divine attributes, angels, since their very Genesis, have received God’s benevolence and love as well as eternal bliss. The most significant function of angels is to act as God’s agents and guide man to become worthy of His love and affection. Some consider angels as higher beings invested with powers inconceivable and unachievable by humans. Many consider angels as servers of God’s wishes and, hence, lesser than humans, who are God’s own children.

Gabriel is the angel carrying verbal messages; Uriel is the angel of bereavement and change; Michael is the protector and warrior angel; and Raphael is a healing and curative angel.