Six-winged seraphim - angels, stronger than only God

Who are the six-winged seraphim

Before discussing the significance of seraphim in mainstream Christian theology, we should carefully learn the origins from which these powerful beings originated.
The very word “seraph”, or “saraph”, in the ancient Jewish language meant fire, and more specifically, directly tongues of flame or dragon. In addition, in some cases this word also meant lightning, any flying kite, or even a griffin. It is with this “snake” essence of the seraphim that most of the miracles performed by the Old Testament prophets are associated. Clearly visible in this meaning of seraphim is the connection with the sirrush, a mysterious snake-like creature or dragon that occupied an important place in ancient Babylonian mythology. Thus, it was the seraphim in Old Testament times that often became the fulfillers of all the prophecies of the Lord, sending down punishments on the dissolute pagans who were contrary to the face of God. Seraphim was also designated by the serpent on the banner of Moses. In general, these angelic beings are mentioned very rarely directly in the Bible. And their most comprehensive description is presented in the book of the Prophet Isaiah, where they are described as having six wings. They use one pair for flight, the other two cover their face and legs, respectively. The same description also indicates that they constantly glorify God with their songs and hymns.

Celestial seraphim are one of the few higher, exclusively virtuous beings who can be depicted in iconography using red colors, which symbolizes their fiery essence and incredible abilities, as well as the personification of power close to God.

Etymology and interpretation of the name

The Hebrew word “saraf” (Hebrew שָׂרָף, śārāf, plural - >‏‎שְׂרָפִים, śərāfîm) has several meanings: flaming, fiery; serpent, flying serpent, serpentine lightning; flying dragon or griffin.

These meanings are used in the following passages of Scripture:

• “And the Lord sent poisonous serpents among the people, which bit the people” (Num. 21:6)
• “And the Lord said to Moses: Make yourself a serpent and display it for a banner” (Num. 21:8)
• “Do not rejoice, O land of the Philistines, because the rod that struck you is broken, for from the root of the serpent will come an asp, and its fruit will be a flying dragon” (Isaiah 14:29)
• “Asps and flying serpents” (Isa. 30:6)

Famous Seraphim angels and their names

It should be noted that most often in Christian and Jewish religious books, seraphim are mentioned without any personal attributes or names. On the one hand, this emphasizes their extremely high position in the heavenly hierarchy, and on the other, it demonstrates them as the most righteous and pure guides of the Divine Plan. Nevertheless, a number of sources indicate that there are a number of relatively famous angels in the rank of Seraphim.

Thus, early Christian sources mention Jehoel, who is the leader of all the Seraphim. Moreover, he is the only one who knows the true name of God. Also, Jehoel is a personal enemy of the demon Leviathan and tirelessly restrains him from trying to harm humanity and Heaven. Seraphim Israel is also known - although some incline him to the rank of cherub angels, well-known literature mentions that he is the sixth among all the angels who are near the throne of God.

Many theologians and researchers believe that the angel Uriel, who is one of the most frequent characters in various non-canonical and apocryphal writings, has the rank of seraphim. However, in most official sources he does not have any of the attributes of a seraphim, being depicted as an ordinary angel or archangel with two wings.

Many demons were also previously seraphim - both Satan himself and, for example, his second hand - the demon Beelzebub, as well as Leviathan and Asmodeus. They are the main rulers of hell, responsible for the most important mortal sins and tempting people and other angels to evil deeds. This is logical, especially if you remember most of the legends about the fall of Satan. It is mentioned that his strength was almost equal to God's, and he was the strongest of all the angels, which means he definitely belonged to the rank of seraphim.

Appearance

From the explanations of Isaiah and Dionysius, it was extremely difficult for past artists to derive an accurate visual image of the seraphim, which seemed to be rooted in the appearance of pre-existing spiritual beings native to Syrian myths dating back to the first millennium BC. e., or into the iconography of Babylon and Assyria, from where, in all its plausibility of the first ideas about angels, it migrated to the Jewish and Christian world.

According to the interpretation of Anthony the Great,

Unlike the azure, four-winged cherubs, the six-winged seraphim are depicted in iconography, as a rule, in a fiery, scarlet color.

Prayers to the seraphim and appeals to them

As such, prayers to the seraphim are offered extremely rarely. Usually, in Orthodoxy they prefer to turn to any specific saints, to a personal guardian angel, or to the Heavenly powers in general. It is in such appeals to all the Heavenly Powers that the Seraphim appear, and in many of these prayers their terrible power and appearance are once again indicated, which hints that for a long time they were an instrument of God’s punishment, like the angels of death.

In general, appeals to the seraphim, archangels and the entire host of the Heavenly Forces are pronounced in times of greatest need. Also, they can be read before starting any particularly important task, in which any possible help will be needed - the more it is, the better. So, this prayer must be read only after a week of fasting, having previously confessed in church: Another, simpler prayer can be read at any time, just at those moments when you need the help of the Heavenly Forces: About the seraphim, despite their important role and proximity God knows, very little is known. These six-winged angels are capable of changing the life of every person, both for the better and for the worse. There are still parables about punishing seraphim who turned entire nations to dust.

Angel Abilities

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The strength of the warriors of the Heavenly Kingdom is bestowed by the Lord. It is God who determines the range of abilities and opportunities with which they will be endowed. Christian legends and writings have identified some of the abilities of angels:

• May be invisible to humans;
• The ability to materially manifest one’s essence in physical space;
• Ability to fly;
• Appearing to a person through visions, as well as the ability to see the future;
• Appearance in the human body, impact on the material world;
• The ability to incinerate and destroy entire villages and cities (for example, Sodom and Gomorrah).

Angels differ from each other not only in the degree of power and perfection, but also in the direction of their activity. The Almighty has allocated different areas of responsibility for these creatures. Created immortal, they will never age or die. Being serving spirits, they take a direct part in the fate of humanity.

There is a misconception among people that angels exist only in the Christian religion. This happened because Christianity is the only religion that reliably describes the hierarchy of angels. This is specifically described in the book of Dionysius the Areopagite “On the Heavenly Hierarchy,” which was written in the 5th century.

Position and type of tattoo

Masters apply guardian angel tattoos in different variations. This could be a protective angel; angel saving life; praying angel; a fighting angel or just a cheerful angel (a small, adorable creature with snow-white wings and a halo on her head). Popular places to get a guardian angel tattoo are:

Guardian angel tattoos on the back look very attractive. Masters depict it on the entire back or stuff their main advantage in the form of white wings, making some kind of reference to this spiritual being. It is not recommended to tattoo your legs.

Names

In ancient writings, Seraphim are found without a personal name. They are also distinguished by the absence of any type of weapon or other paraphernalia. This feature marks their high angelic hierarchy, and also demonstrates righteous behavior as conductors of God's will.

The most famous six-winged Angels

In some ancient writings, there are still named Angels in the rank of Seraphim:

Jehoel is the elder angel. This is the only six-winged Seraphim who knows God's true name. Longtime enemy of the demon Leviathan. Constantly busy saving humanity and Heaven from evil intentions.

Angel Israel. True, many attribute him to the cherubim, but the scriptures mention him as the six-winged helper of God. It is closest to the Lord's throne.

This is the only pair that appears in ancient biblical records.

Other Seraphim

One of the most famous servants of God in non-canonical and apocryphal legends is the angel Uriel. Some theologians and scientific researchers attribute him to the rank of six-winged Seraphim. In many records he is described as being close to God and an incredibly powerful servant.

What place do Thrones occupy in the heavenly hierarchy?

According to the Holy Scriptures, Thrones have this name for a reason. God sits on them from time to time, pronouncing His Judgment. According to some legends, the Thrones also serve as a vehicle for God, which is why they are sometimes called God-bearing.

Image of thrones on a fresco of the Church of St. John the Baptist in Kratovo, Macedonia.

Representatives of this angelic order serve as the throne of the Lord. They occupy third place among the angelic ranks, subordinate to the Seraphim and Cherubim. All other angelic ranks are subordinate to the Thrones and higher angels.

The thrones are depicted as wheels of fire with eyes on the rims. They have four wings. Initially, Cherubim were depicted in this form, but later their appearance became closer to the Seraphim, and wheels of fire were their attributes for some time. At the same time, the true appearance of the Thrones was revealed to people. In Jewish culture, the third rank is called the Wheels, or Ophanim.

In general, there are three ranks of the first sphere of the divine hierarchy. These are the Seraphim closest to God and the Cherubim and Thrones subordinate to them. Each of these divine entities fulfills their roles to help God rule the world.

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What does a tattoo mean?

A guardian angel tattoo carries many meanings, including:

• Protection from evil forces;
• Love;
• World;
• Faith and devotion;
• A reference to religious canons.

The image of a guardian angel is a symbol of a person’s protection from all the problems and difficulties that befall him in everyday life. There are several ranks of angels, the most common being seraphim, cherubim and archangels. Seraphim are women, cherubim are men or children. As for the archangels, they are the angels of the highest rank and the first representatives of God. Among the most famous, Guardian Angel Gabriel is the divine messenger in the human world.