According to the three hierarchies of angels, the Seraphim, the Cherubim and the Thronesare in the first order. Mentioned in the book of Isaiah, the Seraphim, the angels of fire, are those closest to God, in the heaven of the empyrean. In the Cefalù Cathedral mosaic, the Seraphim are represented with six wings. The Cherubim appear in the book of Genesis and then in Exodus. They are placed beyond the Throne of God, immediately after the Seraphim. They are the guardians of the light and the stars. In iconography, they have six wings. The four Seraphim and the four Cherubim take their place on the cross vault, above the Christ Pantocrator, symbolising Paradise. There are countless eyes on their bodies, like the sentries of the world.
