● 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 has been worshiped and revered by different
cultures and religions for centuries. Gabriel is known for playing a crucial role in the
annunciation, resurrection, and grace. In different depictions, Gabriel is portrayed as a female
being.
Appearing in the book of Daniel in the Old Testament, Gabriel lifted the prophet who had fallen
to the ground and prophesied the coming of the Messiah. Gabriel’s message to Daniel holds great
significance as it establishes Gabriel’s role as the messenger of God and the harbinger of
important news.
In the New Testament, Gabriel played an instrumental role in the birth of Jesus Christ. According
to the Gospel of Luke, Gabriel appeared to Mary and conveyed the good news that she would
bear a son, who would be named Jesus. This announcement marks the beginning of Jesus’
journey and is celebrated by Christians worldwide as the Annunciation.
Moreover, Gabriel’s role in the Christmas story does not end with his message to Mary. He also
appeared to the shepherds in Bethlehem on Christmas Eve, announcing the birth of the Savior. In
the Gospel of Matthew, Gabriel’s message to Joseph, telling him not to be afraid to take Mary as
his wife, can also be found. Gabriel’s appearance to Zacharias in the temple, announcing the birth
of his son, John the Baptist, is also mentioned in the Gospel of Luke.
The motif of the promise of the birth of a divine child is prevalent in different religions and
cultures. However, it is Gabriel’s role as the messenger of God that has enabled him to become
an essential figure in the Abrahamic faiths. Gabriel remains significant across religions, being
associated with fetching the souls of the departed and raising them during nine months of
pregnancy, a tradition still followed in many cultures worldwide.
In 1969, the Catholic Church’s liturgical calendar was reformed, moving Gabriel’s
commemoration day from March 24 to September 29. This move further highlights the
significance of Gabriel’s role in the story of Jesus Christ and his importance in Christian
theology.
In summary, Gabriel occupies a crucial role in the Old and New Testament’s religious narratives,
and he has been revered and worshiped across different cultures and religions for centuries. His
significance as the messenger of God and the bearer of crucial news has cemented his position as
an essential figure across the Abrahamic faiths, and he remains an object of veneration and
admiration for millions of people worldwide.