The First Sphere of Angels

- January 07, 2026

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Angels within the first sphere are the closest to God. They have the most power and serve him directly. They can be referred to as the heavenly servants. The angels within the first sphere are the only ones who can see and adore God directly.

Seraphim

Seraphim literally means ‘burning one’ and are seen as if they seem to be on fire or burning and radiating pure light. They are said to be aflame with love for God.

These are the highest angelic class. Their task is tending to God’s throne and remaining closest to him at all times, always showering him with praise.

Seraphim have three pairs of wings. One pair to fly, one pair to conceal their face, and one pair to cover their feet in respect.

Technically, they are so divine that they do not actually possess the status of angel. More, they are a division of the holy messenger. (Castro, 2017).

Archangels, with a capital ‘A’ are the highest of the seraphim, and this is where Archangel Michael sits. These are not to be confused with archangels, with a lowercase ‘a’. We will discuss the Archangels in a later chapter.

Cherubim

The word cherubim can mean a beautiful innocent looking child, often depicted in art with small wings and also often referred to as a cherub. However, these are actually Putti, only the word Putti has long been forgotten and replaced by cherubim. They should not be confused with a cherubim angel.

Cherubim, as a word, actually means ‘fullness of wisdom’. Cherubim angels have four faces representing the four elements. They have the face of a lion for fire, an eagle for air, a bull for earth, and a man for water. They have a lions body, four conjoined wings covered with eyes, with human hands under their wings, and four oxen feet. Their appearance is said to be quite terrifying.

They are radiant, powerful, majestic creatures, and they surround God’s throne, guarding the way to the throne, procuring the creator’s bidding and protecting him. They were sent to guard the gates of Eden after man was driven out, and to guard the way to the tree of life.

They shine with the light of the knowledge of God, the knowledge of the mysteries of God and the depth of his wisdom. They are enlightened and are capable of enlightening others.

These are the most mentioned of all the angels in the Christian bible.

Thomas Aquinas believed that Satan (also called Lucifer) was a Cherubim before he fell and became the head of the fallen angels.

Thrones, (also known as Orphanim, Galgallin, Wheels, Many Eyed Ones and God-bearing)

Throne angels are creatures who are tasked with being the actual chariots of God, driven by the Cherubim. They are said to be great fiery wheels that sparkle like brass, containing many eyes. They reside in the area of the cosmos where material form begins to take shape. It is said that God rests upon them and they are forever in his presence. (Guiley, 1996).

The throne angels are symbols of authority, the elders, carrying the throne of God. They are able to mete out God’s justice, continually contemplating it, and carry out his decisions. They listen to the will of God and present our human prayers to him.

The throne angels can convey messages from the essence of God’s word to the lower classes of angels, who can then, in turn, pass them on to humans.