His will upon the earth. These angels are the points of contact between Heaven and earth. Messengers are dressed in full armor and are human in form. They carry various weapons of war such as swords, javelins, spears and lances.

7. PRINCIPALITIES (Princedoms) - Principalities are the overseers of the nations and are the protectors of the nations’ leaders. Principalities also minister to humanity in general.

Principalities are portrayed in human form. They have wings and dress in armor. In their hands they may carry a scepter, cross, palm leaves, vial or lilies, all symbols of their interaction with humanity.

8. ARCHANGELS - Archangels are the most powerful angels created by God. (It is thought that Satan, before his fall, was an archangel.) Archangels have wings and human bodies and are clad in armor. They carry either swords or trumpets. They guard the innocent and the just.

How many archangels there are is often disputed. The Protes­tant Scriptures speak of one, Michael, or two depending on the classification of Gabriel.

Revelation 8:2 mentions seven angels standing before the throne. Some scholars believe these to be seven archangels. Legend tells us the names of the three

additional archangels: Jophiel, Chamuel and Zadkiel. (Notice that every archangel’s name ends in “el” meaning “in God”.) These seven angels will blow the seven trumpets during the last days. In the descriptions that follow all seven archangels have been included; however, the information for Jophiel, Chamuel and Zadkiel is taken from tradition and carries absolutely no authority in any orthodox Christian church.

CHAMUEL (one who sees God) – Tradition tells us that Chamuel was one of the seven archangels. He was the angel who comforted Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. The items that identify Chamuel are the cup and staff.

GABRIEL (God is my strength) – Gabriel is the messenger of God. The Bible tells of three instances where Gabriel brought a Heavenly message. The first instance was the bringing of two messages for Daniel to help him interpret dreams (Daniel 8:15-17 & 9:2_-22). The second instance was an appearance to Zacharias (Luke 1:19). Gabriel proclaimed to him the coming birth of John the Baptist to he and his wife Elizabeth. The third instance was his appearance to the Virgin Mary (Luke _:26). He proclaimed to her that although she had never been with a man, she was with child. This child would be the Son of God. The third visit is called “the Annunciation”.