Difference between revisions of "Cherubim"

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After the [[seraphim]], before the All-knowing God, Who resides in inaccessable light, stand the many-eyed '''cherubim''' in ineffable radiance. More than the other lower orders of angels, they are always radiant with the light of the knowledge of God, with the knowledge of the mysteries of God and the depths of His Wisdom; being themselves enlightened, they enlighten others. Their name "cherubim" in translation from the Hebrew language means ''great understanding'' or ''effusion of wisdom'', because through the cherubim, wisdom is sent down to others and enlightenment of the spiritual eyes is given for the seeing of God and knowledge of God.
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[[Image:Garden of eden mosaic.jpg|right|thumb|Many-eyed Cherubim angel in center. (''Nave Mosaic from Palatine Chapel, Palermo, Sicily. Mid 12th c.'')]]
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The many-eyed '''Cherubim''' (sg. '''Cherub'''), second after the [[seraphim]] in the angelic hierarchy, stand before the all-knowing God in ineffable radiance. They are always radiant with the light of the knowledge of God and His [[Holy Wisdom|Wisdom]], and with the knowledge of the mysteries of God. Named 'cherubim', meaning 'great understanding' or 'effusion of wisdom' in Hebrew, they are enlightened and therefore, through the cherubim, wisdom is sent down to others and enlightenment of the spiritual eyes is given to see God and have knowledge of Him. In other words, the Lord dwells between the cherubim (2 Samuel 6:2).  
  
==See also==
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Representing the mysteries above, in the [[Old Testament]] figures of cherubim decorated the [[sanctuary]]. A pair of cherubim made by gold was ordered to be placed on the mercy seat and between them the Lord spoke to his people ([[Exodus]] 25:17-22). Figures of cherubim were woven on the veils of the tabanacle.
*[[Angels]]
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In the [[Divine Liturgy]] the [[Cherubic Hymn|song of cherubim]] is sung in the liturgy of faithful, representing cherubim between whom the Lord dwells.
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
[http://www.sfaturiortodoxe.ro/orthodox/orthodox_advices_angels.htm The Holy Angels]
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*[http://www.sfaturiortodoxe.ro/orthodox/orthodox_advices_angels.htm The Holy Angels]
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{{Angels}}
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[[ro:Heruvim]]

Latest revision as of 16:05, December 11, 2018

Many-eyed Cherubim angel in center. (Nave Mosaic from Palatine Chapel, Palermo, Sicily. Mid 12th c.)

The many-eyed Cherubim (sg. Cherub), second after the seraphim in the angelic hierarchy, stand before the all-knowing God in ineffable radiance. They are always radiant with the light of the knowledge of God and His Wisdom, and with the knowledge of the mysteries of God. Named 'cherubim', meaning 'great understanding' or 'effusion of wisdom' in Hebrew, they are enlightened and therefore, through the cherubim, wisdom is sent down to others and enlightenment of the spiritual eyes is given to see God and have knowledge of Him. In other words, the Lord dwells between the cherubim (2 Samuel 6:2).

Representing the mysteries above, in the Old Testament figures of cherubim decorated the sanctuary. A pair of cherubim made by gold was ordered to be placed on the mercy seat and between them the Lord spoke to his people (Exodus 25:17-22). Figures of cherubim were woven on the veils of the tabanacle.

In the Divine Liturgy the song of cherubim is sung in the liturgy of faithful, representing cherubim between whom the Lord dwells.

Sources

Angels
First Hierarchy: Seraphim | Cherubim | Thrones
Second Hierarchy: Powers | Dominions | Principalities
Third Hierarchy: Virtues | Archangels | Angels