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Dionysius the Areopagite – The Celestial Hierarchies

why does the Word of God prefer the sacred symbol of fire almost above all others?  For you will find that it is used not only under the figure of fiery wheels, but also of living creatures of fire, and of men flashing like lightning who heap live coals of fire about the Heavenly Beings and of irresistibly rushing rivers of flame.  Also it says that the Thrones are of fire and it shows from their name that the most exalted Seraphim themselves are burning with fire, assigning to them the qualities and forces of fire; and throughout, above and below, it gives the highest preference to the symbol of fire …....  fire has transforming power, and imparts itself in some measure to everything near it.  It revives all things by its revivifying heat and illuminates them all with its resplendent brightness.  It is insuperable and pure, possessing separative power, but is itself changeless, uplifting, penetrative, ever moving, moving other things … showing forth its majesty according to the nature of the substance receiving it …. [at times it] seems not to exist, but suddenly unkindles its light …. uncontrollably flying upwards