(Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel)
Gabriel is the announcer of the Incarnation of the Son of God. He is one of
the seven archangels who stand before the Throne of God. He appeared to
Zacharias about the birth of the Forerunner. Gabriel said of himself, "I
am Gabriel, who stand before God" (St. Luke 1:19). His name
Gabriel means "Man - God." The Holy Fathers, in speaking about the
Annunciation, interpret that an archangel with such a name was sent to signify
who and what He would be like, who must be born of the All-Pure One. Therefore,
He will be Man-God, mighty and powerful God. Some of the Fathers understood
that this same Gabriel appeared to Joachim and Anna concerning the birth of the
Virgin Mary and that Gabriel instructed Moses in the wilderness to write the
Book of Genesis.
The Holy Fathers think that Gabriel has pre-eminence in the
first and greatest order of heavenly powers, that is, the Seraphic Order, since
the Seraphims stand closest to God. He is, therefore, one of the seven
Seraphims, closest to God. The names of the seven are MICHAEL, GABRIEL,
RAPHAEL, URIEL, SALATHIEL, JEGUDIEL, BARACHIEL. To this number some even add
JEREMIEL. Each one has their own particular service and all are equal in honor.
Why did God not send Michael? Because Michael's service is to suppress the
enemies of the Faith of God while Gabriel's is the mission of announcing the
salvation of mankind.
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