The Archangel

13th century image from Georgia
St. Gabriel's Feast Day:
Roman Rite Calendar – 29th September
Tridentine Calendar – 24th March


Gabriel is the patron saint of: 
Clergy, Broadcasters, Communication Workers, Diplomats, Messengers, Postal Workers, Radio Workers, Secular Clergy, Telecommunications and Television Workers.

Archangel and  Messenger of God, Gabriel is one of the three angels mentioned by name in the Bible.
  • Gabriel appeared to the prophet Daniel to explain the prophet's visions relating to the Messiah. (Daniel 8:16-26; 9:21)
  • Gabriel appeared to Zachary in the temple to announce the coming of Zachary's son, John the Baptist, and to strike Zachary mute for his disbelief. (Luke 1:11-20)
  • Gabriel appeared to Mary to let her know she'd been selected to bear the Saviour. (Luke 1:25-38)
Gabriel is always the angel of the Incarnation and of Consolation, and so in Christian tradition Gabriel is ever the angel of mercy while Michael is rather the angel of judgment. At the same time, even in the Bible, Gabriel is, in accordance with his name, the angel of the Power of God, and it is worth while noting the frequency with which such words as "great", "might", "power", and "strength" occur in the passages referred to above.

Jibrail - an Islamic image
St. Gabriel was sent to illuminate Mary’s intelligence and dissolve her doubts.

In Abrahamic religions, Gabriel (Bulgarian: Гавраил, Hebrew: גַּבְרִיאֵל, Modern Gavri'el Tiberian Gaḇrîʼēl - the strength of God; Latin: Gabrielus; Turkish: Cebrail; Greek: Γαβριήλ, Gabriēl; Arabic: جبريل, Jibrīl or جبرائيل Jibrail; Aramaic: Gabri-el, "God is my strong man/hero") is an archangel who serves as a messenger from God. Based on two passages in the Gospel of Luke, many Christians and Muslims believe Gabriel to have foretold the births of both John the Baptist and Jesus.

Islamic views state that Jibrail was the medium through whom God revealed and dictated the Qur'an to Muhammad, and that he sent a message to most prophets, if not all, revealing their obligations. He is called the chief of the four favoured angels and the spirit of truth. He is called, by Muslims, the created Holy Spirit (Islam) that spoke to Muhammad, which is not to be confused with the Holy Spirit of God in Christianity who is revered as God Himself. Gabriel is also mentioned in Bahá'í Faith texts, specifically in Bahá'u'lláh's mystical work Seven Valleys.

According to the Biblical verses which specifically refer to him, Gabriel is likened to a mortal male. He is usually portrayed as male, but sometimes also androgynous or female, as in some New Age beliefs or contemporary art imagery. In many nativity plays in schools, Gabriel is played by a female.

The Annunciation, St Gabriel's Church, Nazareth
Messenger of Peace

Ukrainian icon


















12th century icon










In a drawing by Jacques Callot from 1630


















.