Faith Q&A › Catechism › 3. The Order of the Heavenly Hosts

What do we know about the first rank, which includes the seraphim, the cherubim, and the thrones?

The answer

The first rank is closest to God and is the most exalted. It includes three hosts: the seraphim — full of eyes and with six wings — the cherubim; and the thrones. They are all equal in rank, their likeness to God is more perfect than any other, and they are directly united with the primal light of divinity.

Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty

Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty, Catechism of the Coptic Orthodox Church, Volumes 1 and 2, Books 1–7. First English Edition, 2023. Published by St. George Coptic Orthodox Church, Sporting, Alexandria, and Queen St. Mary & Prince Tadros Coptic Orthodox Church, South Brunswick, NJ. Copyright © 2023. Translation and Editing: Youth of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the USA, Canada, Europe, Australia, Arabian Gulf, and Egypt.