archangel (Coptic, ar,/aggeloc, from the Greek ¢rc£ggeloj, arkhaggelos), superhuman being dwelling in heaven who reveals to man God's will and executes His commands.
Archangels occupy the eighth of the nine ranks in the hierarchy of the heavenly host, which has a threefold structure (see angels). A Coptic doxology, forming part of the service of the evening and the morning offering of incense, includes the names of seven archangels who constantly glorify the Almighty: michael (Mikha‘il), gabriel (Ghubriyal), raphael (Rufa’il), suriel (Suryal), Sadakael, Saratael, and Ananael: they are the great, pure, and luminescent beings who intercede on behalf of humanity. Commemoration dates of the first four archangels are Michael on 12 Hatur, Gabriel on 22 Kiyahk, Raphael on 3 al-Nasi, and Suriel on 27 Tubah.