How our assertion that the angels by nature are not ranked second and third is to be understood.
Another doubt stems from what Basil says in his book against Eunomius: “We say that among the angels there is rank, one being prince and another subject, but we do not rank them as second or third by nature.” 
This seems to imply that all the angels were created equal by God, as Origen held. We say, however, that as they differ in gifts of grace, so they differ in natural endowments.
Basil’s assertion about the angels not being ranked second and third by nature, is not, therefore, to be interpreted as meaning that one is not naturally more perfect than another, but that all share one nature generically, although not specifically.
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