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Part IV: Dogma and Ritual Questions · 6

Who Are the Seraphim?

Faith Q&A › Many Years with People's Questions › Part IV

The question

Who are the seraphim and what do they do?

The answer

The word 'seraphim' is plural, the singular is 'seraph', and this word is used for a particular kind of angel, all of whom have six wings, with two of which they cover their faces, with another two their feet and with the remaining two they fly.

The particular passage in which the Bible refers to the seraphim is to be found in Isaiah, when the prophet saw these angels around the throne of God, praising Him and saying; "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory! " (Is. 6:3).

The work of the seraphim is to praise, even so, when they heard Isaiah cry, "Woe to me!... I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips", one of the seraphim flew down "with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar". And he touched Isaiah on the mouth and said: " Behold, this

has touched your lips; Your iniquity is taken away, And your sin purged " (Is. 6:7).

There is no mention anywhere in the Bible that any of the seraphim has ever fallen.

The literal meaning of the word ' seraphim' is 'the burning ones' or 'the ones who blaze with fire'. And it is clear from their name that they symbolise the divine love and love that never fails.

Thrice-Blessed Pope Shenouda III of Blessed Memory

Thrice-Blessed Pope Shenouda III of Blessed Memory, Many Years with People's Questions, Part IV: Dogma and Ritual Questions. Coptic Orthodox Patriarchate. Translated by Mrs. Glynis Younan, London. Revised by Mrs. Wedad Abbas. First edition, August 1992. Revised COEPA 1997. ISBN 977-5319-0-2-1.