Selaphiel
Eastern Orthodox Christianity·Archangel
Selaphiel is an archangel revered in Eastern Orthodox traditions, often identified as the angel who presents prayers to God. He is considered the patron saint of prayer and worship, aiding individuals in their spiritual practices and offering protection. Selaphiel is also associated with interpreting dreams, overcoming addictions, and presiding over heavenly music.
Key Facts
- ›Selaphiel is recognized as an archangel in Eastern Orthodox traditions.
- ›He is believed to be the angel who offers the prayers of God's people to Him in heaven.
- ›Selaphiel is the patron saint of prayer and worship within the Eastern Orthodox Church.
- ›Tradition attributes to him roles in interpreting dreams, breaking addictions, and protecting children.
- ›He is sometimes depicted in iconography holding a thurible and in an attitude of humble prayer.
- ›Prayer is considered his particular attribute and focus.
Sealtiel, Selatiel, Selathiel
Divine Messenger, Patron Saint of Prayer and Worship, Interpreter of Dreams, Protector of Children, Presider Over Exorcisms
Thurible, Incense
the Conflict of Adam and Eve 31:6, Revelation 8:3–4
Prayer, Worship, Attentiveness
Adam, Eve, Satan, Suriyel
Iconography In Eastern Orthodox Church
About Selaphiel
Selaphiel: The Angel of Prayer
Selaphiel, also known by variations such as Sealtiel, Selatiel, or Selathiel, is an archangel recognized within Eastern Orthodox traditions. His name, derived from Hebrew, signifies "I have asked God." He holds significant importance as the patron saint of prayer and worship, embodying a deep connection to divine communication and spiritual devotion.
Role in Scripture and Tradition
Selaphiel is identified in the apocryphal Christian text The Conflict of Adam and Eve as an archangel sent by God to aid Adam and Eve in their struggle against Satan. More significantly, many Christian traditions associate him with the angel mentioned in the New Testament's Book of Revelation (8:3–4). In this passage, an angel with a golden censer stands at the altar, offering incense that, along with the prayers of all God's people, ascends before the throne of God. This role positions Selaphiel as a celestial intercessor, carrying the prayers of humanity to the divine.
Patronage and Iconography
Within the Eastern Orthodox Church, Selaphiel is revered as the patron saint of prayer and worship. He is invoked for assistance when individuals find their prayers hindered by distractions, inattentiveness, or a lack of fervor. Tradition also attributes to him roles in helping people interpret dreams, overcoming addictions, protecting children, presiding over exorcisms, and governing the music of heaven. Iconographically, Selaphiel is often depicted in an attitude of humble prayer, with downcast eyes and arms crossed over his breast, or kneeling with a thurible. Prayer itself is considered his most distinctive attribute.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Selaphiel?
Selaphiel is an archangel recognized in Eastern Orthodox traditions. He is venerated as the patron saint of prayer and worship, and is believed to present the prayers of humanity to God.
What are Selaphiel's primary roles?
Selaphiel's primary roles include acting as a divine messenger by presenting prayers to God, and serving as the patron saint of prayer and worship. He is also said to help interpret dreams, break addictions, and protect children.
What is Selaphiel depicted with in iconography?
In iconography, Selaphiel is often depicted holding a thurible, a type of incense burner. He is also shown in attitudes of humble prayer, with downcast eyes and arms crossed over his breast, or kneeling with incense.
In which religious traditions is Selaphiel important?
Selaphiel is primarily important in Eastern Orthodox traditions. He is also mentioned in some apocryphal Christian texts.
What specific assistance can Selaphiel offer?
Orthodox Christians seek Selaphiel's help when their prayers suffer from distractions, inattentiveness, or coldness. He is also believed to aid in interpreting dreams, breaking addictions, protecting children, and presiding over exorcisms and heavenly music.
What biblical or apocryphal texts mention Selaphiel?
Selaphiel is mentioned in verse 31:6 of the apocryphal Christian text The Conflict of Adam and Eve. Some Christian traditions also consider him the angel described in Revelation 8:3–4 who presents prayers to God.
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Gadreel
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Israfil
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