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Second Hierarchy

The middle of the three traditional angelic hierarchies, consisting of Dominions, Virtues, and Powers.

Short Definition

The middle hierarchy: Dominions, Virtues, and Powers.

Difficulty

Intermediate

Language Origin

Greek / English

Pronunciation

SEK-und an-JEL-ik HY-er-ar-kee

The Second Hierarchy contains the Dominions, Virtues, and Powers. Medieval theology associates these orders with the governance and ordering of divine ministrations.

Etymology

Hierarchy from Greek hierarchia, “sacred rule.”

Sculptor Notes

Unlike Michael, Gabriel, or Raphael, these orders rarely have universally fixed sculptural attributes. Identification therefore depends heavily on inscriptions, ensemble context, heraldic-like attributes, or an established iconographic program.

References

https://www.newadvent.org/summa/1108.htm