The first creature resembled a lion, the second was like a calf,
the third had a face like that of a man,
and the fourth looked like an eagle in flight.
Day and night they do not stop exclaiming:
“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God almighty,
who was, and who is, and who is to come.”
They throw down their crowns before the throne, exclaiming:
“Worthy are you, Lord our God,
to receive glory and honor and power,
for you created all things;
because of your will they came to be and were created.”
(Rev 4:1-11)
The vision of the Four Living Creatures should be familiar. The symbols of the four gospels are taken from this passage: Matthew, man; Mark, lion, Luke, ox; John, eagle. The liturgical setting of this book helps us to understand the frequent use of hymns. As the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom reminds us: “We, who mystically represent the Cherubim, And sing the thrice-holy hymn to the Life-creating Trinity, Now lay aside all earthly cares, That we may receive the King of all, Who comes invisibly escorted by the Angelic Hosts, Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.” The photo today is of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.
