Archangel Gabriel Icon (8)

Orthodox Icon of Archangel Gabriel (8). Commemorated March 26 & November 8th. The sizes of  this icon are approximate . From the beginning and throughout the history of our salvation, this prince of the incorporeal powers, has been for humankind the Angel of mercy and of divine benevolence. A being of fire, free from all alteration and permanently consecrated to the contemplation of the divine glory, the Archangel Gabriel was designated by the Lord a a ministering spirit, sent forth to serve, for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation (Heb. 1:14). According to saint Proclus of Constantinople, his name means "God and man" and signifies that he is charged to announce all the mysteries which have contributed to the preparation for the Incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. The goal and summit of his mission as therefore the "Rejoice!" which he announced to the Mother of God and which has become the form of praise and thanksgiving of all those who, thanks to him, inherit salvation and try to imitate on earth the angelic way of life.  Gabriel is often referred to as the leader of the heavenly hosts; he is associated with numerous happenings in Holy Scripture, particularly the Annunciation where he brings the message to the Theotokos that she would bear is also recognized as the angel who announced the birth of the Theotokos to her parents Joachim and Anna and who came to Joseph the Betrothed in a dream, telling him that Mary's pregnancy was indeed miraculous and that he should protect and care for her. He also appeared to the shepherds near Bethlehem, telling them of the Birth of Christ.