of angels. One of the finest examples we can bring forward is to be seen in the great convent of Ivirôn on Mount Athos, in the cupola of a church dedicated to the archangels. The Pantocrator presides in the centre of the cupola; the nine choirs of angels are arranged around him in nine ranks. An inscription runs under each telling the name and function of each order. The Creator faces the west, to his right are the three orders of Counsellors, to the left, of Governors, and above his head the Ministers. Each choir is represented by a vast multitude of angels receding and ascending, step by step, till they are finally lost in the blue of heaven. Commencing with (I.) COUNSELLORS, we see first a little figure holding a scroll on which we read EEPAOIM (seraphim), and this being is further described in the Greek inscription which occupies the entire length of the compartment, πύρινοι ὄντες οἱ σεραφὶμ τὸ εἶδος πυροῦσι βροτοὺς πρὸς ἀγάπησιν θείαν. "The seraphim being fiery in appearance, inflame mortals towards divine love." They are altogether red like flame. Their bodies and their three pairs of wings all red; a red and flaming sword in the right hand. Their feet are bare. Thus, according to the etymology of their names, they are living flames that burn with and enkindle Divine love. II. CHERUBIM. The little angel who introduces them bears on its scroll: XEP. The inscription on the compartment runs thus : χύσιν σοφίας χερυβὶμ κεκτημένοι χύδην κινοῦσι τε ἡμῖν ἐκεῖθεν. "The cherubim, possessors of the pouring forth of wisdom, pour it forth in floods from that source into us.' "" A single pair of wings, variegated, but whose general aspect is blue. A robe surmounted by a mantle, and below the mantle, a short tunic descending to the knees, slightly resembling that worn by our bishops. Feet shod. The robe, the mantle, the tunic, and the foot-gear all very rich. III. THRONES. Upon the scroll held by the little angel we read: OPON The inscription in the compartment reads: ὑπερίδρυνται ἐσχατίας ἁπάσης οἱ ἀμφὶ τὸν ὕψιστον ὑψηλοὶ θρόνοι. "Above all limit are set the high thrones around the Most High." Two fiery wheels, winged with four wings filled with eyes. An angel's head with aureole appears below each of these wheels and rises towards the centre. The Virgin appears below near these thrones, in that choir of which she forms a part, according to Byzantine theology. She is praying, her hands raised towards heaven. Near her this inscription may be read : ἐξαίρει θρονοὺς τοῦ θεοῦ ὄντως θρόνος θεοῦ. "True Throne of God, she exalts the thrones of God." On the scroll of the little angel here: KYP. πρὸς τὴν ὄντως φέρουσι κυριαρχίαν αὐτοκρατόρου κυριότητες νεύσιν.* "The dominations direct their will in accordance with the truly supreme power of the absolute Master." *It would appear that this motto has been incorrectly copied from the fresco painting. Angels with two wings, robe, mantle and clothing for the feet. In the right hand, the seal of God, a disc marked by the Greek monogram of Jesus Christ TC XC. In the left hand, a long staff surmounted by a cross. The Holy Virgin belongs to the Thrones; St. John the Baptist is among the Dominations. This is a human domination, a dignity due to him, according to Byzantine theology, because of his virtue and his title as Harbinger of Jesus Christ. St. John is winged, exactly because he was the angel and the messenger of God. His robe is of skin, and mantle of stuff. He has naked feet, like an apostle and Jesus Christ himself, although the dominations, to whom he is allied, have feet shod. V.-POWERS. Upon the scroll of this little angel: AYN. ἀκατάσειστον ἀνδρεῖαν αἱ δυνάμεις φέρουσι τὰς σφαίρας τε πόλου κινοῦσι. "The Powers possess invincible courage and put the spheres of heaven in motion." Angels with two wings, robe, and mantle, above which is a short tunic descending to the knees. Embroidered border at the bottom of robe and tunic and round the collar of the mantle. The feet are bare. In the right hand, the seal of God, or the globe, marked by the monogram of Jesus Christ; in the left hand a long staff terminated by a cross. VI.-AUTHORITIES. On the scroll of the little angel: EEOYE. ἡ ἐξουσιῶν ἔξοχος ἐξουσία ὅλη νένευκε τῇ ἐξουσιαρχίᾳ. "The authority that excels authorities has wholly bowed to the archauthority." Angel with two wings, a robe and mantle, but without ornaments, and with bare feet. In the right hand, the a seal of God stamped with the monogram of Jesus Christ; in the left hand, a long staff ending in a cross. 66 On the scroll of the little angel: APXÃI. τὸ θεοειδὲς ἀρχικὸν ἐκτυποῦσι Principalities, many wonder working, figure the essence of Divine rule." Angels with two wings, robe, mantle covered by a tunic descending to the knees. Feet shod. Great richness of dress. In the right hand the seal of God engraved with the monogram of Christ; in the left, a lily branch, instead of the baton expanded into a cross. VIII. ARCHANGELS. On the scroll of this little angel: APXAF. ἀρχαγγελικὴ ἀρχαγγέλων τάξις μέση ταῖς ἀρχαῖς κοινωνεῖ καὶ ἀγγέλοις. "The archangelic order of archangels combines with the principalities and the angels, being between them." Soldiers winged with two wings: no helmet, but a breastplate and buskins. In the left hand a globe marked by the monogram of Jesus Christ. In the right hand a naked sword, point upwards. This is the type so constantly presented in the archangel Michael. IX.-ANGELS. On the scroll of the little angel: ArгĒ. τὸ λειτουργικὸν ὄντως ἀγγέλοις πρέπει "The work of ministry is the true office of angels who ascend and descend in the service of men." A multitude of two-winged angels richly clothed. Dressed like deacons in alb and dalmatic. In the right |