Gabriel
● Memorial Day Orthodox: March 26, November 8
● Name means: God is my hero (from Hebrew)
● Archangel
● Attributes: Lily
● Patron: of the telecommunications and intelligence services, messengers, postmen,
postal clerks and stamp collectors, against marital infertility
Archangel Gabriel is a revered celestial being who holds a prominent place in the Jewish,
Christian, and Islamic traditions. In particular, Gabriel is known as the angel of annunciation,
resurrection, and grace. According to the Old Testament, Gabriel played a vital role in the life of
the prophet Daniel. When Daniel fell to the ground, Gabriel lifted him up, shared his story with
him, and prophesied about the coming of the Messiah – the chosen one who would lead the
people of Israel to salvation (Daniel 8:16 and 9:20 ff).
Similarly, Gabriel appeared to Mary, the mother of Jesus, with the good news that she would
give birth to a miraculous child, the Son of God (Luke 1:26). Gabriel also appeared to Zacharias
in the temple, announcing that he and his wife would have a son named John the Baptist, who
would prepare the way for Jesus (Gospel of Luke 1:11). Moreover, the angel Gabriel appeared to
Joseph in a dream, assuring him of Mary’s virginity and guiding him in his role as Jesus’ earthly
father (Gospel of Matthew 1:20). On the night of Jesus’ birth, Gabriel appeared to a group of
shepherds in Bethlehem, announcing the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah (Luke 2:9).
In many cultural and religious traditions, Gabriel is associated with the promise of the birth of a
divine or mythic child. Gabriel is also associated with the soul’s journey between heaven and
earth. In folk tradition, Gabriel is depicted as the angel who fetches the soul from paradise and
accompanies it during the nine months of pregnancy. Catholics commemorate Gabriel’s feast
day on September 29, which was moved from the former date of March 24 after the liturgical
calendar was reformed in 1969.
Overall, Archangel Gabriel is an iconic figure in religious history, celebrated for their role as a
messenger of God, their profound insight and knowledge, and their deep compassion and
guidance toward humanity.
Michael
● Memorial Day Orthodox: November 8
● Name means: Who is like God? (from Hebrew)
● Archangel
● Attributes: angel with (flaming) sword, with helmet, as a knight piercing the devil, staff,
scales
● Patron: the Catholic Church and the Vatican Gendarmerie; of the Germans, soldiers,
paratroopers, merchants, bakers, pharmacists, paramedics, tailors, glaziers, painters,
gilders, bank clerks and radio mechanics; of the poor souls, dying and cemeteries; for a
good death; against lightning and storms
According to religious tradition, Michael is one of the most revered angels in existence. He bears
the title of the Horseman of the Apocalypse, and is believed to be the angel who wielded the
sword that banished Adam and Eve from Eden. Moreover, he was entrusted with guarding the
tree of life, as well as granting Seth a branch from the tree of knowledge. In the Legenda Aurea,
Michael is referred to as the “standard-bearer of Christ,” a testament to his status as a peerless
warrior among angels. Indeed, it is said that at the command of God, Michael could mobilize
entire armies to wage war.
Michael is frequently invoked as a peacemaker, particularly in times of great turmoil and
conflict. He is entrusted with the keys to heaven, and is the guardian of souls both living and
dead. He is a just and impartial observer, weighing souls on the scales of justice and passing
judgment accordingly. Michael is a fierce adversary of the devil, the embodiment of all that is
sinful and malevolent in the world.
Michael’s protection is not limited to any one group or people. He is the patron of all Christians,
called upon to intercede on their behalf in times of need. In fact, his role as protector and
mediator can be traced back to the Old Testament, where he served as the intercessor of Israel.
Michael’s influence extends beyond the spiritual realm; he is also the patron of those who tend to
horses, particularly the holy herdsmen Florus and Laurus.
Worship of Michael dates back to the early days of Christianity, with traces of devotion found in
4th century Asia Minor (Phrygia). The city of Chonae was particularly dedicated to Michael, and
it was there that many of the earliest documented instances of his veneration occurred. Today,
Michael remains a beloved figure in Christian theology, revered for his powerful protective
qualities as well as his unwavering dedication to justice and peace.
