For a proper understanding of how angels “work” — that is to say, how humans can comprehend their existence as much as possible, it is important to look at each choir individually.

We will never fully understand the nature of angels, as we will always be tempted to see them as physical beings. This is not our fault. It is difficult for us sometimes to accept the existence of non-physical beings. God and his angels recognize this, which is why they take on human form when communicating with us (or do the exact opposite and whisper to our hearts, staying as far from the physical as possible so as not to confuse us). There are many instances in the bible of angels disguising themselves as humans. . . and even then, they usually have to tell people not to be afraid of them.

Today, we are going to start with the top choir, the Seraphim. These are the angels who are farthest removed from the physical plane, as they are a choir who stands directly before the throne of God.

The name “Seraph” comes from the Hebrew, and literally means “Burning One.” That alone should tell you a lot about how terrifying coming face to face with one of them would be. They are made of fire and light, but are represented in Isaiah as having three sets of wings.

These wings are very important, because each set has a symbolic purpose. The first set is used to cover their eyes.

The reason why the Seraphim cover their eyes is their humility. They stand before God, as the highest of His servants, and yet they are still but His humble crated creatures. They cover their eyes so that they are not blinded by His glory, which would cause them to burst from love.

The second set of wings covers their feet. This is a sign of respect for God, and to understand it, we have to look at the culture of the time Isaiah was writing. Feet are dirty, filthy things. It is considered a grave insult (even to this day, in the Middle East) to turn one’s feet in the direction of another. It is even worse to do so before a superior. This is what startled the disciples so much when Jesus went to wash their feet on Holy Thursday. So the Seraphim keep their feet covered completely to demonstrate God’s ultimate authority over them and over all creation.

The final set is for flight, so that they may come before God’s throne with ease. Now, many argue that — since angels do not really have physical form — their wings must be metaphorical, a symbol of their spiritual nature. To this, I merely gesture to the vast number of winged spirits in other mythological traditions and argue that anything is possible if God wills it so. We’ll resolve that one after we die, symbolists.

Now, what exactly so the Seraphim do? By all accounts, we know that they directly serve God, ministering to Him and proclaiming his glory. They are the angels who blessed the mouth of Isaiah with a burning coal (and therefore perhaps look after all prophets in one way or another). But mostly what they do is burn with Love.

It makes sense that this is why they burn. They stand in the presence of Love Incarnate, and thus exude and reflect that all-consuming fire.

St. Thomas Aquinas (the Church’s authority on Angelology) puts it thus:

The name “Seraphim” does not come from charity only, but from the excess of charity, expressed by the word ardor or fire. Hence Dionysius (Coel. Hier. vii) expounds the name “Seraphim” according to the properties of fire, containing an excess of heat. Now in fire we may consider three things.

First, the movement which is upwards and continuous. This signifies that they are borne inflexibly towards God.

Secondly, the active force which is “heat,” which is not found in fire simply, but exists with a certain sharpness, as being of most penetrating action, and reaching even to the smallest things, and as it were, with superabundant fervor; whereby is signified the action of these angels, exercised powerfully upon those who are subject to them, rousing them to a like fervor, and cleansing them wholly by their heat.

Thirdly we consider in fire the quality of clarity, or brightness; which signifies that these angels have in themselves an inextinguishable light, and that they also perfectly enlighten others. (Summa Theologia, I, 108,5)

Thus, the nature of Holy Fire in itself is the very essence and overwhelming presence of Love (Caritas/Agape, the universal love). This is why it is the most powerful force in the Heavenly arsenal, and why it can destroy even the most powerful demon (as they are creatures of envy and hate, the opposites of love). And it is generated directly from God, poured out over his servants in their fervent need to be near him, to serve him with their whole beings.

May we grow to burn with the fire God’s Love as our heavenly brethren, seeking always to do His Will above all things.

-E.G. Norton