Celestial Hierarchy

A poem addressing the Nine Choirs of Angels in each of the Three Celestial Hierarchies,

based on Traditional Catholic Angelology

Praise Him celestial flock of hierarchy all!

For ye art the lofty delight of our Triune God.

Whirling and swirling with constant ascent-flight-descent,

Ye immortal birds do surround the Holy Enthroned.

Cosmic spheres above do turn and turn with praises

Of them who sing with dialect divine, each in choir;

Conducted by those Arch-Spirits who art just seven,

Them, those seven horns and eyes of Lamb we call Christ.

Behold the spirit’s belonging to innermost sphere;

Those creatures who art nearest to God’s holy face.

First the Seraphs; those blazing embers of love divine.

Then the Cherubs; those golden winged mirrors of knowing.

And then the Thrones, whose rolling gaze of praise enthrones.

Praise Him celestial birds of hierarchy first!

For here Wisdom, Understanding and Knowledge doth dwell!

Seraphim

Behold the spirit’s belonging to the central sphere;

Those angelic beings that harvest the glories of God.

First the Dominions; those generals of the Just Sword.

Then the Virtues, those keepers of harmonious flow.

And then the Powers; those lightning bolts of grace sublime.

Praise Him celestial birds of hierarchy two!

For here Counsel, Piety and Fortitude doth dwell!

Behold the spirit’s belonging to outermost sphere;

Those lower choirs who art nearest to we bellow.

First the Principalities; those royal sceptre stars.

Then the Archangels; those watchmen of firmament high.

And then the Angels, whose role is to guide and give light.

Guardian Angel

Praise Him celestial birds of hierarchy third!

For here Holy Fear, God’s Peace and Truth doth dwell!

O teach us to adore Him; illumine us within.

Carry us from choir to choir; and from sphere

To sphere do draw us nearer to He our sweet love:

As lending thy wings we fly from height to height and depth;

Thus drawing even nearer to that Face than ye;

Ye that holy flock sublime by whose help we do climb.

Praise Him celestial flock of hierarchy all!

For ye art the lofty delight of our Triune God.

 29^th September to 1^st October, 2014. Heel of Christ.