Seraphim
Seraphim · Highest Order of the Nine Angelic Choirs — The Burning Ones Around God
Highest order among the Nine Choirs of Angels in Jewish and Christian angelology. The name comes from the Hebrew 'burning ones' (שָׂרָף, saraph). In Isaiah 6 they are seen with six wings, flying around God's throne and crying 'Holy, holy, holy.' They stand closest to the divine love and pure radiance.
Origin
Originates in the vision of Isaiah 6. Systematized as the highest of the nine choirs in Pseudo-Dionysius's 'Celestial Hierarchy' (De Coelesti Hierarchia, c. 5th century). Central to orthodox angelology accepted by Catholicism, Orthodoxy, and most Protestant traditions.
Features
- Six wings — two cover the face, two cover the feet, two for flight
- Pure flame, not human or animal in form
- Cover their faces because they cannot bear to behold God directly
- Eternally sing 'Holy, holy, holy'
Stories
Invoked in meditations on divine love, purification, and sacred adoration. In mystical tradition, the love of the Seraphim is likened to the divine flame purifying the soul — a theme treated deeply by Thomas Aquinas.
Related
Uriel
Uriel · Archangel — Light of God, Angel of Wisdom and Repentance
Asmodeus
Asmodeus · Prince of Lust — Demon Who Destroys Marriages
Michael
Michael · Archangel — Captain of the Heavenly Host, Vanquisher of Satan
Raphael
Raphael · Archangel — Angel of Healing and Guide of Travelers
Metatron
Metatron · Scribe of Heaven — Voice of God and Recorder of Divine Acts
Azrael
Azrael · Angel of Death — Reaper of Souls
Cherubim
Cherubim · Second of the Nine Angelic Choirs — Guardians of Divine Wisdom and the Throne
Ophanim
Ophanim · Third of the Nine Angelic Choirs — Wheels of God, Throne of Justice
Gabriel
Gabriel · Archangel — Messenger of God, Bearer of the Annunciation
Sandalphon
Sandalphon · Angel of Prayer — Bearer of Mortal Prayers to God
Lucifer
Lucifer · Bearer of Light — Fallen Archangel, Prince of Pride
Satan
Satan · The Adversary — Prince of Wrath, Accuser of Humanity