The Virtues.

The Second Hierarchal Sphere

Heavenly Governors: (New Testament sources)

The fifth ranking Order or Choir of Angels.
 

AngelsThe Virtues (Strongholds), also called Malakhim or Tarshishim, lie beyond the Thrones/Wheels (Ophanim).

Their primary duty is to supervise the movements of the heavenly bodies in order to ensure that the cosmos remains in order.

They have been called "The Brilliant or Shining Ones" and are said to inspire  the saints.

Also called the Angels of miracles, encouragement, and blessings, and are particularly involved with people struggling with their faith.

Said to be the chief bestowers of grace and valour.

The two Angels at the Ascension of Jesus were traditionally believed to be from the Order of Virtues who were usually represented in a group.

The term "Virtue" appears to be linked to the attribute "Might", from the Greek root "dunamis" in Ephesians 1:21, which is also translated as "Virtue" (see below).

From Dionysius the Areopagite:

"The name of the holy Virtues signifies a certain powerful and unshakable virility welling forth into all their Godlike energies; not being weak and feeble for any reception of the divine Illuminations granted to it; mounting upwards in fullness of power to an assimilation with God; never falling away from the Divine Life through its own weakness, but ascending unwaveringly to the super essential Virtue which is the Source of virtue: fashioning itself, as far as it may, in virtue; perfectly turned towards the Source of virtue, and flowing forth providentially to those below it, abundantly filling them with virtue."