The Catholic Defender: celestial Choir of Virtues
- 4 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By the intercession of St. Michael and the celestial Choir of Virtues, may the Lord preserve us from evil and suffer us not to fall into temptation. Amen.
Virtues are a choir of angels in the hierarchy of angels. They are the fifth choir.
Virtues: This choir wields “raw power” over the physical elements of our world, creating what we perceive as miracles. 6. Powers: These angels protect God's creation from hostile forces; that is, they protect the very laws of creation from God's enemies.
They are often described as the "Angels of Grace" or the "Shining Ones."
Virtues are known as the Spirits of Motion and control the elements. They are sometimes referred to as "the shining ones." They govern all nature. They have control over seasons, stars, moon; even the sun is subject to their command. They are also in charge of miracles and provide courage, grace, and valor.>
St. Peter mentions the virtues in his first epistle (3:22), as does St. Paul in his Letter to the Colossians (1:16).
Jesus Christ who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers subject to him. 1 Peter 3:22
for in him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. Colossians 1:16
The name is in some way a mistranslation or at least a “false cognate,” since this choir of angels does not deal with acquired habits (virtues), but rather exercises innate, raw power over the physical universe.
According to Pseudo-Dionysius, their name refers to “a certain powerful and unshakable virility welling forth into all their Godlike energies, . . . mounting upwards in fullness of power to an assimilation with God; never falling away from the divine life through its own weakness, but ascending unwaveringly to the super-essential Virtue which is the Source of virtue.”
They are the lords of causality and the principles of cosmic order in the material realm. They ensure the well-being of the world.
Governing the Cosmos: They are tasked with running the universe, specifically overseeing the movements of heavenly bodies and the elements of nature like the sun, moon, and stars.
Performing Miracles: The Virtues wield raw power over physical elements to create what mortals perceive as miracles.
Bestowing Spiritual Strength: They assist humanity by infusing the mortal heart with courage, grace, and valor. This help is often invoked during times of sickness or unforeseen accidents.'
Middle Management: In the divine order, they receive instructions from the Dominions (the governors) and pass tasks down to lower orders to ensure God's will is executed in the physical realm.
Assisting in Faith: They provide encouragement to those struggling with their faith, helping them endure hardship and stay committed to the "good".
Comments