The Holy Trinity & Heavenly Host
Christianity centers on the mystery of the Trinity - One God in three persons - alongside the celestial hierarchy of angels and the communion of saints who have achieved union with the divine.
🔺 The Holy Trinity
The central mystery of Christian faith: God revealed in three distinct yet inseparable persons. Each person of the Trinity represents a different mode of divine presence and action in the world.
God the Father
First Person
Creator of heaven and earth, transcendent source of all being, loving Father who providentially governs creation. Revealed as YHWH in the Old Testament.
Domains: Creation, Providence, Authority, Sovereignty
Symbols: Throne, Crown, Ancient of Days, All-Seeing Eye
Jesus Christ
Second Person - The Son
The Word (Logos) made flesh, God incarnate in human form. Born of the Virgin Mary, died for humanity's sins, rose from the dead, ascended to heaven.
Domains: Redemption, Salvation, Love, Sacrifice
Symbols: Cross, Lamb, Good Shepherd, Sacred Heart, Alpha & Omega
The Holy Spirit
Third Person
The divine presence actively working in the world and in believers. The Comforter, Advocate, and source of spiritual gifts, wisdom, and sanctification.
Domains: Inspiration, Transformation, Gifts, Guidance
Symbols: Dove, Flame, Wind, Water, Oil
👼 Angelic Hierarchy
The celestial beings who serve God as messengers, warriors, and worshippers. Organized into nine orders or choirs according to medieval theology (based on Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite).
The Archangels
⚔️ Michael
"Who is like God?"
Leader of heavenly armies, protector, warrior against Satan. Patron of soldiers, police, and the faithful.
📯 Gabriel
"God is my strength"
Divine messenger, announced Jesus's birth to Mary. Patron of messengers, diplomats, and communication.
💚 Raphael
"God heals"
Healer and guide, appears in Book of Tobit. Patron of travelers, physicians, and the sick.
Nine Choirs of Angels
- First Sphere (Closest to God): Seraphim (six-winged flame), Cherubim (guardians), Thrones (justice)
- Second Sphere (Cosmic Governors): Dominions (divine authority), Virtues (miracles), Powers (spiritual warfare)
- Third Sphere (Ministers): Principalities (nations), Archangels (messengers), Angels (personal guardians)
👸 Mary - Mother of God (Theotokos)
The Virgin Mary holds a unique place in Christian devotion, especially in Catholic and Orthodox traditions. She is venerated as the Mother of God, Queen of Heaven, and mediatrix of grace.
Titles & Roles
Key Mysteries
- Immaculate Conception
- Annunciation
- Visitation
- Assumption into Heaven
- Coronation as Queen
✨ Saints & Holy Ones
The communion of saints - men and women recognized for their extraordinary holiness, many martyred for their faith. Saints serve as intercessors, examples, and patrons of various causes.
Categories of Saints
The Apostles
The Twelve chosen by Jesus, plus Paul. Peter (rock of the church), John (beloved disciple), Paul (apostle to Gentiles), and others who spread the Gospel.
Martyrs
Those who died for their faith. Stephen (first martyr), early Roman martyrs, and countless witnesses who chose death over renouncing Christ.
Church Fathers
Great theologians and bishops: Augustine, Jerome, Athanasius, Gregory, Chrysostom, Ambrose. Shapers of Christian doctrine and practice.
Mystics
Those who experienced direct union with God: Teresa of Avila, John of the Cross, Catherine of Siena, Hildegard of Bingen, Francis of Assisi.
🌑 Fallen Angels & Demons
The shadow side of the spiritual realm - angels who rebelled against God and now seek to lead humanity astray. Led by Satan (the Adversary), also called Lucifer (Light-Bearer) before his fall.
🐍 Satan / Lucifer
The chief adversary, tempter, accuser. Appears as serpent in Eden, adversary in Job, tempter of Christ. Prince of this world, defeated by Christ's resurrection.
💀 The Seven Deadly Sins
Pride, Greed, Lust, Envy, Gluttony, Wrath, Sloth. Sometimes personified as demon princes (e.g., Lucifer=Pride, Mammon=Greed).
🔱 Legion & Named Demons
Demons cast out by Jesus. Medieval demonology identified hierarchies: Beelzebub (lord of flies), Asmodeus (lust), Belial (worthlessness), Azazel (scapegoat).
🐉 The Antichrist
Eschatological figure opposing Christ. The Beast of Revelation, false prophet, embodiment of deception who will appear before the Second Coming.
Sacred Connections
Jewish Roots & Parallels
- YHWH - The God of Israel, shared heritage
- Jewish Angels - Shared angelic traditions
- Shekinah - Divine presence in Judaism
- Kabbalistic Sefirot - Jewish divine emanations
Gnostic Connections
- Gnostic Theology - Alternative divine structures
- Sophia - Divine Wisdom personified
- Gnostic Christ - Christ in Gnostic thought
- Valentinian Pleroma - Divine fullness
Cross-Cultural Parallels
- Allah - The one God in Islam
- Hindu Trimurti - Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva trinity
- Dying God Archetype - Christ and parallel figures
- Zeus - Supreme deity comparison