How to Benefit from the Holy Liturgy - Pope Kirillos Scientific Family

the Body and Blood of Emmanuel our God, which is
placed upon it. Arise, O Angels and Archangels, the
Cherubim, of six wings, and the Seraphim, full of eyes,
covering their faces from the brilliance of His great glory,
which surpasses sight and speech. They praise Him with
one voice, proclaiming and saying, "Holy, Holy, Holy, is
the Lord of Hosts, Heaven and Earth are full of Your Holy
Glory." This response gives us an idea about the awe of the
church and the holiness of these moments, so together with
Jacob we proclaim, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I
did not know it. How awesome is this place This is none
other than the house of God, and this is the gate of
heaven" (Genesis 28:16,17). We stand in the church as if in
heaven and proclaim with the Psalmist: "Holiness adorns
Your house, O Lord, forever" (Psalm 93:58), and, "In the
congregation, I will bless the Lord" (Psalm 26:12).
"For around You stand the Cherubim, full of eyes and the
Seraphim of six wings, praising You continuously without
ceasing saying..."
The priest now mentions another two orders of heavenly
angelic rank, who differ from the previously mentioned seven
ranks. Thus the total number of heavenly orders are nine,
according to the doctrine and faith of the church, and the
tenth rank is the order of saints from mankind. After the fall,
our beloved Lord Jesus Christ restored Adam and his
children to their previous dignity, for having been formed in
the image and likeness of God, God created mankind to
partake with the heavenly hosts in praising Him as He is
pleased with this praise and unity.
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