Archangel
Archangel,
an angel, or heavenly
being, of higher rank than angels.
In
Jewish and Christian literature, the four best known
are Michael, Gabriel,
Raphael, and Uriel. In Islam, it is believed that
four archangels guard the throne of Allah. According
to Christian tradition, archangels belong to the
eighth of nine choirs of angels.
Arranged
according to their importance, in descending order,
these choirs are seraphim,
cherubim, thrones, dominations, virtues, powers,
principalities, archangels, and angels.
"Archangel,"
Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001 http://encarta.msn.com
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