Well- technically, going by the article (as well as every other religious source that ranks angels) archangels are near the bottom of the "totem pole"
The ranking goes as follows:
Highest Rank
Seraphim "Spirits of Truth"
Those closest to the throne of God and often referred to as celestial nobility. It is said that their light is so intense that no other devine beings may look upon them.
Cherubim "Devoted Guardians"
They hold the knowledge of God and are given the greatest of tasks. They are the most reliable and loyal angels. Man's expulsion from Eden and the Annunciation of Christ were both performed by Cherubim.
Thrones/Ophanim "Agents of Motion"
They serve the primary function of being God's chariot and handing down His judgement.
Middle Rank
Dominations/Hashmallim/Elohim "Objective Observers"
Holding the tasks of regulating the duties of lower angels. They receive their orders from the Seraphim and Cherubim and are responsible for ensuring that the cosmos remains in order.
Virtues/Malakim/Tarshishim "Honour-bound Warriors"
They have to maintain the aspects of the natural world as well as bestow blessings upon the material world and encouraging humans to turn to the good and to The Creator in times of hardship.
Powers/Kyriotates "Discordian Borrowers"
Having perhaps the most dangerous task of defending the border between Heaven and Earth from all evil, they are constantly on the lookout for demonic attack. They also have to guard the cosmic realms to ensure that souls which leave earth reach heaven safely. Not surprising then that most fallen angels are from the rank of Powers.
Lowest Rank
Principalities/Mercurians "Celestial Socialites
Watching over the mortal world directly, guiding and protecting the earth's nations, cities and towns, these are the angels that perform miracles. They also protect the interests of religion and politics. They also manage the duties of the other angels.
Archangels/Grigori "Shepherds of the Black Sheep"
Also known as "The Watchers", Archangels were sent to do the Creator's will as it directly affects humans. They also watch over the duties of other angels and are the leaders in the divine army during battle. It is surprising to see Archangels occupying the lowest Rank of angels. The reason is that they deal with humans more closely than any other angels.
Angels
Given two major tasks, that of watching over the affairs of mortals in a more direct manner by watching over entire households and individual souls, guiding them and keeping them safe from demonic attack, and acting as messengers and couriers to both God and the upper ranks of angels.
So- the way it sets up in D&D seems to be Solars (Seraphim), Planetar (Domination), and Deva (Principalities or Archangels).
i think that one dates back to the 20's or so. send me an e-mail, and i will toss the stats at you when i get home.
