THE ARCHANGEL GABRIEL

Gabriel, from the Hebrew גַּבְרִיאֵל (transliterated: Gavri’el) meaning “God is Strong”, is mentioned four times in the Bible (Daniel 8:16; 9,21; Luke 1:19.26). He was sent to Daniel to instruct him and make him understand the vision received from God (Daniel 8:1-26; 9:20-27). He was sent to the priest Zacharias to announce that his wife Elizabeth, despite her advanced age, would conceive and give birth to the forerunner of the Messiah (Luke 1:5-20). He was sent to the Virgin Mary to announce that he would conceive and give birth to the Messiah and Son of God by the work of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:26-38). Probably it was always Gabriel who spoke to Joseph in a dream (Matthew 1:20-21). The Catholic and Orthodox Churches consider Gabriel to be an Archangel. In the Bible the office of Archangel is attributed only to Michael (Jude 9). However, implicitly, this office is also attributed to Gabriele and Raffaele. In fact, besides Michael, these two angels are the only ones to whom the Bible gives a name. And the Bible always lets us know that Michael, Gabriel and Raphael have been entrusted with tasks of great importance. The Bible lists Gabriel and Raphael among the seven angels who are always in the presence of God (Tobias 12:15; Luke 1:19; Revelation 8:2). In the East there were seven assistants to the throne (Esther 1:10). These seven angels who are always in the sight of God, and who are entrusted with assignments of particular importance, cannot but be superior angels, Archangels. The Archangel Gabriel is revered by all Christian churches that admit the cult of saints. In the Catholic liturgy, the Solemnity of St. Gabriel the Archangel is celebrated on 29 September, together with the other two Archangel Saints Michael and Raphael. In the Orthodox liturgy it is celebrated on November 8th. In Christian art Gabriel is always represented as a young man with eagle wings and a sprig of white lily in his hand, a symbol of purity, chastity and goodness. In some paintings we see him next to Michael and Raphael, while in other paintings we see him with the Virgin Mary in the act of the Annunciation.