An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church

Seraph (s), Seraphim (pl)

Supernatural creatures which have six wings and stand in attendance above the throne of the Lord, according to the vision of Isaiah (6:2-7). In this vision, a seraph said “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.” A seraph flew to Isaiah and touched his mouth with a burning coal to take away his guilt and forgive his sin. The term has been associated with burning. Seraphim have been understood to be angels who “burn” with love for God. They have been ranked highest in the nine orders of angels. Seraphim are mentioned in the canticle Te Deum laudamus (BCP, pp. 95-96), and the hymn “Ye watchers and ye holy ones” (Hymn 618). They are among the angels celebrated on the feast of Saint Michael and All Angels (Sept. 29). See Angel; see Cherubim.

Glossary definitions provided courtesy of Church Publishing Incorporated, New York, NY,(All Rights reserved) from “An Episcopal Dictionary of the Church, A User Friendly Reference for Episcopalians,” Don S. Armentrout and Robert Boak Slocum, editors.