The nine choirs of angels, pewter and glass

This pewter ensemble represents the nine choirs of angels and was handcrafted to a high standard in Austria.

Each medal represents a choir and is approx. 6.5 cm high and 6.5 cm wide

The hymn "Factor orbis angelorum" was composed at the beginning of the 7th century and forms the basis of these emblems, which are elaborately handcrafted from pewter and glass. The text of the respective verse (it follows, even in its inaccuracies, a 10th century manuscript) first runs around the front of the pointed diamond, which is decorated with an image of the angel of the respective choir, and continues on the back, which bears a symbol for the characteristic of this choir. The second, horizontal diamond has a pattern that is the same for every three emblems: this alludes to the three hierarchies of which Dionysius writes and which each comprise three choirs. In his work (chapter 25), he also emphasizes that it would be a misunderstanding to assume that flames, wheels or other objects and shapes are actually found in the world of angels; rather, everything that can be represented visually is merely a reference to something that cannot be grasped by the senses. This also applies to the colors of the handmade glass: with the tones of the rainbow, they show the continuity of the hierarchies and choirs, whereby - again according to Dionysius, chapter 13 - the highest hierarchy has a "fiery" character.

The hymn "The nine choirs of angels":

The first stanza of the hymn reads:

Factor obis angelorum per novenos ordines
civitatem sempiternam sic locavit primitus,
ut per eum pax in illa semper esset maxima.

The Creator of the world created the nine choirs of angels in the beginning: an eternal city that was to have supreme peace forever through him.

The following verses are dedicated to the nine choirs of angels, ascending from the lowest to the highest.

1. Angels

Emblem with lilac-coloured glass; the organ portative with the sonority symbolizes the harmony in which the faithful, guided by their guardian angels, should live

Namque soli hi vocantur angelorum nomine,
qui ministrant in juvandis orbis hujus advenis,
sed suis post axe soleils deputandis civibus.

For only those are called "angels" who help the strangers on this earth (namely human beings) who are destined to become their fellow citizens in heaven.

2. Archangel

Cobalt blue glass; the letter in front of the three streams of light signifies messages from the eternal God

Quique tractant sola causae pricipalis nuntia
propriaque nominandi sorte pollent insuper,
ex honoris qualitate jure sunt archangeli

And those who deal only with the messages of the First Cause (= God) and are also, as their name says, powerful, are "archangels" according to honor and right

3. Powers

Sky-blue glass; the flowers with the cloud of fragrance and the wine glass denote the healing and strengthening influence.

Ordo praeest qui gerendis per bonis miraculis,
sive vivos sive carnis loberatos carcere
ille nomen dignitatis sumit ex virtutibus

An order stands at the top (of this first hierarchy), who works good miracles both for the living and for those freed from the dungeon of the body: this has its honorary name from the "powers"

4. Powers (also called Powers)

Turquoise-green glass; armor and weapons show the defensive power.

Cura quorum ad fugandas praestat iras daemonum,
quando captis inseruntur mentubs mortalium,
hos potestates vocari dogma sacrum praedicat.

Whose care puts to flight the wrath of the demons, which these want to implant in the prejudiced spirit of men, are to be called "powers" according to sacred teaching

5. Principalities (also called powers)

Grass-green glass; the insignia refers to princely rank.

Altiores his locati in supernae patriae
absque fine pace tuto, luce claro culmine,
principatus hi merentur consequi vocabulum

. Higher than these live securely in the endless peace of the heavenly fatherland, in the clear light of the summit, who deserve to be given the name "principalities"

6. Dominions

Light yellow glass; they are depicted as rulers

Constat autem dominantes esse dictos nomine
eminentes his proratu recepti muneris,
qui videntur ceterorum gratiam transcendere

It is certain, however, that the name "dominions" is used to designate those excellent ones who have received the gift of preeminence and who seem to surpass the others (in the second hierarchy) in grace

7. Thrones

Honey-yellow glass; the wheels recall the Hebrew name of Chrores.

Ergo sedes sive thronos his notamen indidit
mos vetustus, cuncta per quos rex polorum judicat,
ex sacris auctoritate roborata vatibus

. The term seats or "thrones" was thus given by ancient custom - reinforced by the authority of the holy prophets - to those through whom the King of Heaven holds judgment over all

8. Cherubim

Orange glass; the decorated book with the word "wisdom" shows their most outstanding characteristic.

Ex cherubim plenitate dictat sunt scientiae
quod scientem cuncta norint, ut in se est domino,
deque summis intimisque nil sit his incognitum

. It is said of the fullness of knowledge of the "cherubim" that they know the omniscient Lord as he is in himself, and nothing is unknown to them even of the highest and innermost

9. Seraphim

Red glass; the chalice full of flames represents their burning love.

Restat ergo nunc referre de seraphim ordine,
qui calore sunt amoris aestuantes in deo
huicque soli semper haerent caritate proximi

Now it remains to speak of the order of "seraphim", who burn with the ardor of God's love and always cling to him alone in love for their neighbor

Material	Zinn
Besonderheiten	Set
Höhe	6,5 cm (Stück)
Breite	6,5 cm (Stück)
Weight ca.	500g
SKU	F900900