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Ceiling | Angelic Hierarchy

St. George Seminary, Bangalore is the only church with Angelic Hierarchy as Ceiling painting.

1. Angels Praising God Eternally

Description:
This depicts the angelic hosts, in ceaseless adoration of God. Their chant “Holy, Holy, Holy” echoes through the heavens, signifying the eternal liturgy that never ceases in the divine realm. Their praise transcends time and invites the earthly Church to join in the heavenly hymn.
 Isaiah 6:3 – “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory.”
Revelation 4:8 – “Day and night they never stop saying: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty.’”

Description:
Here, God the Father is not depicted in human form, but symbolized by Uncreated Light — radiant, ineffable, beyond form. This aligns with apophatic theology, affirming God as invisible and dwelling in unapproachable light. It recalls the divine glory revealed to Moses and witnessed at the Transfiguration.
1 Timothy 6:16 – “Who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light…”
James 1:17 – “Every good gift… is from above, coming down from the Father of lights…”

Description:
On the left, we see angelic beings carrying incense, trumpets, and scrolls — symbols of worship, proclamation, and divine mission. These beings are not only worshippers but also ministers sent forth to aid those on earth and carry out God’s decrees.
Hebrews 1:14 – “Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”

Description:
These angels reflect God’s messengers at work in the cosmos — fulfilling His will in creation, salvation history, and judgment. They are dynamic agents of God’s providence, strength, and justice.
Psalm 103:20–21 – “Bless the Lord, you his angels… you his hosts, who do his will!”

Description:
The seraphim are depicted with six wings and burning with divine love. They surround the throne in mystery, hiding their faces and feet, signifying reverence and awe. Their hymn — the Trisagion — is the core of heavenly liturgy and echoed in our Orthodox prayers.
Isaiah 6:2–3 – “With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet… and they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, Holy, Holy…’”

At the heart of the dome is Christ, the Lamb upon the Throne, who reigns in glory. Surrounded by the angels and saints, He is both Judge and Redeemer, uniting heaven and earth. His wounds are visible — a reminder of His redemptive love.

Revelation 5:6–13 – “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain…”

Mark 14:62 – “You will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power…”

Description:
These elders represent the fullness of sacred history — the twelve tribes and twelve apostles — gathered in eternal worship. Clothed in white, they offer their crowns to Christ, signifying complete surrender and glory given back to the Giver.
Revelation 4:4,10 – “They lay their crowns before the throne and say: ‘You are worthy, our Lord and God.’”

Description:
Mary is depicted as the Queen standing at the right hand of Christ, reflecting her unique place in salvation history. Clothed with the sun, crowned with stars, she intercedes as Mother of the Church, echoing the bridal imagery of the Church herself.
Psalm 45:9 – “At your right hand stands the queen in gold.”
Revelation 12:1 – “A woman clothed with the sun… and a crown of twelve stars on her head.”

Description:
Forming a circle around Christ’s throne, this second grouping emphasizes the completeness of heavenly governance and worship. They represent the heavenly council, full of wisdom, justice, and adoration.
Revelation 4:4 – “Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders…”

A vast multitude from every tribe and tongue, clothed in white and holding palms, rejoicing before God. This is the victorious Church — those who endured, bore witness, and now dwell in divine joy.
Revelation 7:9–10 – “A great multitude… standing before the throne… crying out, ‘Salvation belongs to our God…’”

Description:
The chief messengers — Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and others — are shown in glorious garments, holding attributes of their missions: trumpet, lily, sword, and healing vessel. They act as defenders of the Church and announcers of divine mysteries.
Luke 1:19 – “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God…”
 Daniel 10:13 – “Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me…”

Description:
These are the souls under the altar, robed in white and bearing crowns. Their blood is the seed of the Church. They witness to Christ through suffering and are honored with martyr’s crowns and eternal rest.
Revelation 6:9–11 – “I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God…”
Revelation 7:13–14 – “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation…”

Description:
The great theologians, monastics, and confessors — St. Basil, Gregory, Macrina, Ephrem, and others — are shown as luminous pillars of the Church. Their teachings, prayers, and witness continue to nourish the Church’s faith.
Hebrews 13:7 – “Remember your leaders… consider the outcome of their way of life…”
Revelation 14:13 – “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord… their deeds follow them.”

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