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Gregory of Nazianzus; Basil; Chrysostom · 1100

...is found?; thus only
...is it? not the Holy of Holies,
...which? even to the Seraphim original: "σεραφὶμ" (seraphim). A high order of angels described in Isaiah 6, whose name literally means 'burning ones.' is
...veiled? and glorified
...in a type? and especially by three
...hymns?, which signs perceive
...the lordship? and Hypostasis original: "ὑπόστασις" (hypostasis). In this theological context, it refers to the distinct "personhood" of each member of the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—within one divine essence.;
just as it is believed; just as elsewhere
the subject is set forth,
but in a philosophic manner.
I speak of things most beautiful and
sublime; since [God's] goodness
overcomes His power.
...this was?: to be moved
not only by the
contemplation of Himself,
but like a fountain? to overflow and to
pour out His goodness, so that
those who are the recipients of His
benefits might be many; for this
belongs to the highest goodness.
He first conceived the
Angelic Powers original: "ἀγγελικὰς δυνάμεις" (angelikas dynameis). The celestial hierarchy created before the physical world. and heavenly ones;
and this thought was a deed,
fulfilled by the Word and
perfected by the Spirit.
...these splendors,
ministers of the
First Brightness A reference to God as the source of all light.;
whether they be intellectual spirits,
or a fire that is immaterial and
bodiless, or some
other nature;
one must assume they are
as close as possible to the things
described. I wish
indeed to say that they are
immovable toward evil,
and possess only the movement
toward the good, since
they are around God, and are
the first to be illuminated from there;
for things here [on earth]
receive the second illumination.
But I am persuaded that they are
not "immovable," but rather
"difficult to move" original: "δυσκινήτοις" (dyskinētois). Gregory argues that only God is naturally unchangeable; angels are changeful but firmly fixed in goodness by grace, though some still fell.;
and this is understood and
said of him who, because of his
brightness, was called Morning Star original: "ἑωσφόρος" (heōsphoros), the Greek name for Lucifer. Gregory is explaining the fall of the highest angel.,
but became and is called
"Darkness" because of his pride.