The Virgin Nativity Cathedral
Section of Northern Lengthwise Nave. South View

Seraph

Dionisy's frescoes. Seraph

One of the nine ranks in the hierarchy of angels mentioned in Holy Writ. According Isaiah’s vision, seraphim have a human form and six wings: two wings cover their faces, two wings cover their legs and two wings fly. Seraphim encircle the throne of God and cry continuously: “Holy, holy, holy, is the LORD of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory” (Isaiah 6:2). According to the angelic hierarchy described in the book of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite Celestial Hierarchy seraphim are the highest rank (seraphim, cherubim, thrones), closest to God.
They are also depicted on the key-stone of the arch of the eastern vault and on the soffit of the altar’s window.