Archangel Gabriel has a remarkable position as one of the few cultural figures who plays an important role in more than one major religion. He is refered to in the Old Testament as appearing to Daniel. In Christian tradition he appears to the Virgin and to Zachariah. In Islamic tradition he is renowned for dictating the Holy Koran to the Prophet Mohammed.
The frequent references to Gabrial in literature and Art mean more than any other Gabriel defines most people's idea of what an angel is. In particular the potent image of Angel Gabriel announcing the impending birth of the Messiah to Mary has inspired generations of artists in the process creating one of the most iconic images of Western culture.
This blog collects together a collection of links and information about the references to Archagel Gabriel through the centuries.
The Holy Archangel Michael and all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven (November 8)
The angels of God have been commemorated by men from the earliest times, but this commemoration often degenerates into the divinization of angels (IV Kings 23:5; A.V. II Kings). Heretics always wove fantasies round the angels. Some of them saw the angels as gods and others, if they did not so regard them, took them to be the creators of the whole visible world. The local Council in Laodicea, that was held in the fourth century, rejected in its 35th Canon the worship of angels as gods, and established the proper veneration of them. In the time of Pope Sylvester of Rome and the Alexandrian Patriarch Alexander, in the fourth century, this Feast of the Archangel Michael and the other heavenly powers was instituted, to be celebrated in November. Why in November Because November is the ninth month after March, and it is thought that the world was created in the month of March. The ninth month after March was chosen because of the nine orders of angels that were the first created beings. St Dionysius the Areopagite, writes of these nine orders in his book, "Celestial Hierarchies." These orders are as follows: six‑winged Seraphim, many‑eyed Cherubim, godly Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels and Angels.
In Mother Alexandra's book, "The Holy Angels," these nine orders are further divided into three hierarchies. The third level includes Michael with the Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. Their special domain is the earth. they execute God's will, are continuous guardians of the children of men, and messengers of God. The holy angels are "more than the bearers of divine messages and the guides of men: they are bearers of the very Name and Power of God . they are flashes of the light and strength of the Almighty Lord."
The leader of the whole angelic army is the Archangel Michael. He is mentioned by name four times in Scripture: twice in Dan (10:13 ff. and 12:1), where he is represented a the helper of the Chosen People, once in Jude (v.9), disputing with the devil over the body of Moses, and once in Rev. (12:7-9), fighting the dragon. In Joshua 5:13-15, a "man" with a drawn sword in his hand appeared before Joshua, identifying himself as the "commander of the army of the Lord."
By tradition, the Archangel Michael also represents the "cherubs and the fiery sword that turns about to keep the way of the tree of life" from Adam and Eve after God had expelled them from the "Garden of Delight" (Gen. 3:25. Since the sanctuary represents the Kingdom of Life, the movement from the sanctuary is always out through this door, while the door with the Archangel Gabriel represents our return to Paradise, because he announced to the Virgin the Good News that Immanuel was to come: God with us.
Archangel Michael also plays an important part in the apocryphal literature, e.g. in the "Assumption of Moses," in "Enoch," and in the "Ascension of Isaiah," where he appears as "the great captain" "who is set over the best part of mankind." In connection with the scriptural and apocryphal passages he was early regarded in the Church as the helper of Christian armies against the heathen, and as a protector of individual Christians against the devil, especially at the hour of death, when he conducts the souls to God. His cult originated in Phrygia, where he was chiefly venerated as a healer, and many hot springs were dedicated to him both in Greece and Asia.
When Satan, Lucifer, fell away from God, and carried half the angels with him to destruction, then Michael arose and cried to the un-fallen angels: "Let us give heed! Let us stand aright; let us stand with fear!" and the whole angelic army sang aloud: "Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory!" Among the angels there rules a perfect unity of mind, of soul and of love; of total obedience of the lesser powers to the greater and of all to the holy will of God. Each nation has its guardian angel, as does each individual Christian. We must keep in mind that, whatever we do, openly or in secret, we do in the presence of our guardian angel and that, on the Day of Judgment, a great multitude of the holy angels of heaven will be gathered around the throne of Christ, and the thoughts, words and deeds of every man will be laid bare before them. May God have mercy on us and save us at the prayers of the holy Archangel Michael and all the bodiless powers of heaven. Amen.
The Archangel Gabriel
The Other Bodiless Powers Commemorated
That the angels are constantly involved in this world is testified to, clearly and unmistakably, in Holy Scripture. Both from the Scriptures and from Holy Tradition, the Orthodox Church has learned the names of the seven leaders of the heavenly powers: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salathiel, Jegudiel and Barachiel (and to these is sometimes added an eighth, Jeremiel).
"Michael" in Hebrew means "Who is like God " or "Who is equal to God " St Michael was depicted in the earliest Christian times as a leader, bearing a spear in his right hand with which he attacks Lucifer, Satan, and holding in his left hand a branch of green palm. At the top of the spear is a plaited braid with a red Cross. On our icons, Michael and Gabriel have lightening bolts streaming from their heads, signifying the speed with which they move from one place to another. The Archangel Michael is considered especially to be the guardian of the Orthodox faith and a fighter against heresy.
"Gabriel" means "man of God" or "power of God." He is the herald of the mysteries of God, especially the mystery of the Incarnation and all those that are linked with it.
Raphael" means "God's healing," or "God the Healer" (Tobias 3:17; 12:15).
"Uriel" means "fire" or "light of God" (II Esdras 4:1; 5:20)
"Salathiel" means "one who prays to God" (I1 Esdras 5:16).
"Jegudiel" means "one who glorifies God."
"Barachiel" means "the blessing of God."
"Jeremiel" means "God's exaltation." He is venerated as an inspirer and awakener of those higher thoughts that raise a man God‑ward.
Supreme commanders of the heavenly armies, we, the unworthy, do ever entreat you, that by your prayers ye surround us with the protection of the wings of your immaterial glory, preserving us that earnestly fall down before you and cry aloud: Deliver us from misfortunes, in that ye are the leaders of the hosts on high.
O ye chief commanders of God, ministers of glory divine, captains of the angels and instructors of men: beg ye great mercy and that which is profitable for us, for ye are the supreme commanders of the bodiless hosts.
When the sinful believers have suffered their punishment in the Fire of Hell, the Almighty Lord will say to Gabriel: “O Gabriel, what are the disobedient members of the Community of Muhammad doing in Hell To this, Gabriel will reply: “O Lord, You are All-Knowing. You know better than I the condition they are in. The All-Glorious One will say: “O Gabriel, go and inspect their condition. The venerable Gabriel will go and find Malik, the governor of Hell, sitting on a cushion in the middle of the Fire. Malik will stand up out of respect for the blessed Gabriel, to whom he will say: “O Gabriel, why have you come here To this question, Gabriel will reply: “O Malik, I have been sent here to see what the rebellious members of the Community of Muhammad are doing. Then Malik will say: “Do not ask about the condition of these people. They are in a very bad state, their places are very narrow. The fire has burned and obliterated their bodies. Only their faces and their hearts can be saved because of their faith. Gabriel will say: “O Malik, raise the curtain that covers them and let me look at them myself. I have been instructed to do so.
Allah, save us from the Fire, and admit us to Paradise with the righteous…
-Sheikh Muzaffer Ozak al-Jerrahi, Irshad (Wisdom of a Sufi Master)
According to the Bible, there are seven archangels who "stand in the presence of God". (Tobit 12:15). Four of these are named at various places in the Bible or Apocrypha- Michael, Uriel, Raphael, and Gabriel. Gabriel first appears in the book of Daniel when he explains to Daniel the vision of the ram and the he-goat and the prophecy of the Seventy Weeks.
In the book of Revelation, the seven angels in turn blow their trumpets. When the last trumpet sounds, Voices from heaven proclaim;" The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ- And he shall reign for ever and ever." Although not directly stated in the Bible, according to legend it is Gabriel's trumpet that will announce the end of time.
Gabriel is best known as the angel of the ANNUNCIATION. It was Gabriel who announced to Elizabeth that she is to give birth to John the Baptist (Luke 1:19), and who tells the Virgin Mary that she is to be the mother of the Messiah (Luke 1:26).
The Annunciation is one of the most commonly depicted scenes in Western Christian Art. Gabriel is usually shown kneeling before the Virgin, holding a lily (signifying purity) in his hand. Often there is in the background a walled garden or other enclosure signifying virginity. The Holy Spirit may be seen in the form of a dove.
t.
Gabriel; name
means "God Conquers/ the might of God" Patron of the sacrament of
Baptism,
Archangel of the Annunciation and the Incarnation's triumph over sin
&
death, his lilies represent the new purity of the soul through
Baptism,
his banner, Our Lady's universal motherhood.
Heavenly Father, through
the
salutation of the Archangel Gabriel, may we honor the Incarnation of
Your
Divine Son. Through his faithful intercessions may we strive always to
imitate the holy virtues of the Mother of our Savior and respond to
our
Father, "Be it done unto me according to Thy Word". Archangel Gabriel,
please praise our Father for the gift of His Son, praying, one day by
His
grace, through His Mother, we may all be one fold, one Church, one
Shepherd. Amen - adapted from
the
chaplet of St. Gabriel
Oh holy St. Gabriel come to our aid
with
your legion of angels! Help us to become good servants of Our Lord!
Help
us to regain and preserve our Baptismal purity that we may become His
worthy servants. Through your intercessions help our souls become
havens
of peace where Our Lord and Our Lady love to come and rest. Amen.
To visualise Him, you need to turn your minds' eye to the West, and imagine you are facing the shimmering image of this gentle Archangel of Water.
His image before you is one of magnetic intensity; passive yet undeniably compelling.
The rich copper tones of sunset reflect in the sheen of his hair, as he stands in a muslin robe of gossamer blue, bedecked by a mist of sequined stars, as fragile and tenuous as an evening sky.
He holds a brilliant chalice, encrusted in precious jewels, and filled to overflowing with the waters of life.
Gabriel touches the heart and emotions, for he is the bringer of Love, and his chalice represents the notion of compassion amidst the sorrows of life. - as in much the same way we can find more time to rest at the end of a challenging day, sharing our feelings with those we care about, and maybe finding some forgiveness for ourselves and the wrong doing of others.
The chalice represents the Holy Grail, the Cup of contentment, tenderness and joy, and reminds us that there is no need to fight for Love, for we can find it within ourselves. Great strength can be found in vulnerability.
Gabriel is sometimes seen with the silhouette of an Eagle, fused in silver across his breast, which shimmers as he moves. This represents the higher side of Scorpio, the invincible bird of prey that transcends the stars, and signals Transformation, Rebirth, and the rising of the Phoenix in a blaze of new life.
If you watch carefully, Gabriel will smile down at you, an all pervading softness emanating from the lunar blue of his eyes, which hold within them the shadowy whisper of a hundred memories, born from yesterday.
He turns and faces outwards across the shaded skies of dusk, raising the crystal flowing nectar high above his head, and remains, with wings outspread, in a stance of unconquerable receptivity.
The cup of Gabriel is the cup of Love, and lies in the depths of our feelings and the ebb and flow of the tides.
"A most intimate association exists between fasting and the Quran. The Holy Prophet (SAW) used to pay the greatest attention to the recitation of the Quran in Ramadhan. It is related by ibn Abbas (RA) that the Holy Prophet (SAW) was the most generous of all men but in the month of Ramadhan, when the Archangel Gabrial (AS) used to come to him, his generosity knew no bounds. In Ramadhan Gabrial (AS) came to him every night and joined in the recitation of the Quran. During those days the Holy Prophet (SAW) appeared to be faster than the wind in acts of charity and benevolence."
Gabriel means "Man of God" in Hebrew. This holy archangel of God announced the Incarnation of God to the Virgin Mary, and still helps and informs and guides God's people. This contemporary icon is from Greece..
11th century. Revetment between 1108 - 1120. Together with the icon " Mother of God", make up the composition "Annunciation"111.5 x 67 cm. Tempera on board. Revetment of gilded silver. From the church of the Mother of God Peribleptos (St. Clement’s) Ohrid. Today - Icon Gallery, Ohrid.
Iconography: The basis of the synopsis has the text of Luke the Evangelist (Luke 1:26-38). The composition "Annunciation" is made of two distinctive panels-icons. On the first is portrayed Archangel Gabriel in full length and in movement, indicated through the slightly lifted right foot and lifted arm, with which the Archangel is blessing.
The Mother of God on the monumental composition is portrayed seated on a low throne without a back. She holds a purple knot in her left hand and a spindle in her right. With her head slightly bowed she reveals the relationship with Archangel Gabriel, who tells her the good news.
Origin: It is not known to which church or religious institution these icons belonged. Their dimensions indicate a large building where they may have been placed on the iconostasis. In the 11th century in Ohrid such buildings were the church St. Sophia or the archiepiscopal residence.
Holiday lovers, the holy flash of incorporeal forces surpass reason and mind and warm the World with rays ever so bright. That is not corporeal nature, but unsensitive nature that shines with the rays of reason from the divinity itself. Around the throne of God they gather flickering their wings and hiding their faces singing holy songs to God: "The world, world, world, God Allmighty, is full with your glory!"
Happily deceased with divine light, ones are called to the thrones where the strength and power of the holy trinity lies, while others become cherubs and seraphs, six-winged and four-rayed, with many eyes, friends of strength and power, and friends of the lordship. Others are angels and archangels, numerous army, each in its row leading forward in their order. They always represent the glory of God, while others are sent to secular posts; some for punishment and revenge, others to trace the path of believers to salvation and joy, as He did long ago when He showed Moses in Mount Sinai the divine blackberry that flickered in flames but never burnt out. That same Moses saw a shadow in the Mount made by an angel cherub by throwing shodow on both sides of the altar and appeared before him while he was praying to God and uttering: "Lord, if I am in grace then show yourself to me clearly so that I can see you and know that I am in grace". God answered: "All right, I will fulfill your wish. You have found grace in me". And Moses said: "Show me, my Lord, your glory so that I can see that I have found grace in you". God answered: "You cannot see my image because humans cannot see my image and remain alive. But, stand next to this stone and I will cover it with my hand when passing by so that you can see my back, but you will not be able to see my face". And them when Moses saw the back of God's glory, his face became bright from the sunlight. He covered his face with a rag and that was how he talked to the people because they could not look at his face because of the light. Thus, prophet Isaiah, whose word was heard all over said: "I saw God on a throne high, and seraphs stood around Him, each with six wings, and they all sang holy songs saying: "World, world, world, God Allmighty, let all the Earth feel His glory". Then, the same Isaiah said: "When Ezekiel was sick, the Jewish czar, the Assyrian czar went against him. He wanted to takeover the city. The czar was sad because of the war that was threatening and he prayed to God saying: "Remember, Lord, I went in front of You with the truth and with a calm heart and I committed good deeds in Your name". God answered him: "Do not fear, he will not enter your city, neither will he throw one arrow or spear because I will protect and save the city for myself, for David, my servant". And so the angel of God came down and killed 185 000 men from the Assyrian army and in the morning when they woke up they found them dead.
Such is the power of those incorporeal divine servants. They have the great archstratig Mihail for their commander who is in charge of the incorporeal forces. One angel was in charge of creation and supervisor of order and he was neither cunning nor evil, but gentle when created by God. And thus full with gentleness, he changed from gentle into evil and thought that he could confront his Creator and God. But, archstratig Mihail could not stand his violence and severeness and threw him on Earth together with his incorporeal titles and the leftsovers that he called angels. He became their commander and because he was evil he was deprived from God's light. They became suseptible to curses and were transformed into rageful angels of beauty tormented for times to come. Evil cannot mix with divine gentleness, as evangelist John said in his prophecy: "War began in heavan and archangel Mihail and all his troops fought the dragon and stripped off his title". So said Judas, the holy apostle, Jacob's brother. He said that the great archangel Mihail, when he was fighting the evil, was forbidden to utter blasphemy judgement against him, but he said: "Let God forbid that, you trash!"
All with a title belonging to a legion feasting with holiness and divine beauty and with desire and willingness to keep their legion with gentleness where each of them have been given a different gift should have such a zeal towards God and their Maker. God gave all wonders and welfare to human beings with the great archstratigs. For ones it means victory over the competitiors, for others gentle news about the joys of the Earth.
Appraisals cannot be uttered by words, neither can reason express them with dignity. But, inspite of all limitations, as much as we can achieve, sending them our hopes, let us all reflect their unexpressed grace and their struggle against all harms. With these archstratigs God filled the heavans with miracles and decorated the Earth with wanders. They take care of the heavanly army, each in its order, preserving the four ends of the Earth, the horisons of the seas, on God's command, without spilling over the edges, human's nature remains untouched by all the passions, the rage disappears from the banished destroying the illusion of the idols from the roots and decorating the church splendidly when sending holy harmoniuos songs to God. They got rid of all heretics and true faith started to flourish by wedding true confessioners. They can get rid of all harms and cure all sicknesses.
We bow to them unanimously and joyfully and appraise them in our songs singing: "Rejoice, archstratig Mihail, you are the first commander by order of the incorporeal forces, rejoice, archstratig Gabriel, the first informer of joyful news, rejoice, archstratig Mihail, the first scipterbearer of the indivisible Trinity, rejoice, archstratig Gabriel, the true servant of eternal trinity light, rejoice, archstratig Mihail, illuminated with the rays of eternal brightness that throws light over the whole world, rejoice, oh, Gabriel, for making the universe joyful and for wedding Zaharie's old age with the gentle news of John the Baptist and for making sterile nature fertile, rejoice, archstratig Mihail, for winning the master of darkness for which you stand with dignity next to the throne of God, rejoice, archstratig Gabriel, the bringer of news about God's corpeal being, rejoice, arhstratig Mihail, for being under the eternal light of the divinity of the sun, rejoice, archstratig Gabriel, for the eternal word of the light of the Father, holy news-bringer, your voice was heard all over the Earth, and your news brought joy to the pure and innocent Mother of God who concieved without semen but just with God's ray.
Rejoice, all you passionate fighters of all who found refuge under your roof because by guiding the mortals with your faith you took them through hell and demolished the tombstones informing the bringers of peace about the joy of resurection. When you won the forces of hell in the graves you called out: "Open the door, dukes, to let the Emperor of Glory in!", and they were frozen with fear and falling down as dead they said: "Who is that Emperor of Glory?" Again the incorporeal archtratigs with incorporeal forces answered: "God virtuous and strong, God strong in combat - he is the Emperor of glory".
Everywhere in the commission of God, enemies emerged with the speed of lightning. Those were defeated, and the loyal were rejoicing. When you appeared on the grave, you honoured the disciples of your God. One sat next to the heard, the other next to the feet where the body of Jesus Christ laid and you said: "Why are looking for the living among the dead, he's not here, he got up as it was written". And when God ascended the sky, standing in front of the apostles you said: "Why are you standing and staring in the sky? Jesus who ascended the sky will be back again the way you saw him going in the sky!" That is how one should honour God, our Maker.
The whole universe is lit by them, the image of a prophet is filled with spiritual grace and fulfills the prophecy. The patriarchs and all just people are wedded with them, they enable the apostle images to send holy songs to God, with them the many martyrs with beautiful wreaths are immensely happy.
With them the inhabitants of the deserts, with nearly dead passion for life, ended their lives, with them the graves will open at the last day and the dead bodies will raise alive from the holy voice. The devil himself with all his rages will be tied and thrown into eternal pain by them and the compassionate God will save us. So, glory be to Him, to his eternal Father and to his Gentle Ghost, now and forever more, amen.
In the Bible, angels are the medium of God's power; they exist to execute God's will. Angels reveal themselves to individuals as well as to the whole nation, in order to announce events, either good or bad, affecting them. Angels foretold to Abraham the birth of Isaac, to Manoah the birth of Samson, and to Abraham the destruction of Sodom. Guardian angels were mentioned, but not, as was later the case, as guardian spirits of individuals and nations. God sent an angel to protect the Hebrew people after their exodus from Egypt, to lead them to the promised land, and to destroy the hostile tribes in their way (Ex. xxiii. 20, Num. xx. 16).
In Judges (ii. 1) an angel of the Lord "unless here and in the preceding instances (compare Isa. xlii. 19, Ḥag. i. 13, Mal. iii. 1) a human messenger of God is meant�"addressed the whole people, swearing to bring them to the promised land. An angel brought Elijah meat and drink (I Kings, xix. 5); and as God watched over Jacob, so is every pious person protected by an angel who cares for him in all his ways (Ps. xxxiv. 7, xci. 11). There are angels militant, one of whom smites in one night the whole Assyrian army of 185,000 men (II Kings, xix. 35); messengers go forth from God "in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid" (Ezek. xxx. 9); the enemy is scattered before the angel like chaff (Ps. xxxv. 5, 6).
Avenging angels are mentioned, such as the one in II Sam. xxiv. 15, who annihilates thousands. It would seem that the pestilence was personified, and that the "evil angels" mentioned in Ps. lxxviii. 49 are to be regarded as personifications of this kind. "Evil" is here to be taken in the causative sense, as "producing evil"; for, as stated above, angels are generally considered to be by nature beneficent to man. They glorify God, whence the term "glorifying angels" (Ps. xxix. 1, ciii. 20, cxlviii. 2; compare Isa. vi. 2 et seq.).
They constitute God's court, sitting in council with him (I Kings, xxii. 19; Job, i. 6, ii. 1); hence they are called His "council of the holy ones" (Ps. lxxxix. 7, R. V.; A. V. "assembly of the saints"). They accompany God as His attendants when He appears to man (Deut. xxxiii. 2; Job, xxxviii. 7). This conception was developed after the Exile; and in Zechariah angels of various shapes are delegated "to walk to and fro through the earth" in order to find out and report what happens (Zech. vi. 7).
In the prophetic books angels appear as representatives of the prophetic spirit, and bring to the prophets God's word. Thus the prophet Haggai was called God's messenger (angel); and it is known that "Malachi" is not a real name, but means "messenger" or "angel." It is noteworthy that in I Kings, xiii. 18, an angel brought the divine word to the prophet.
In some places it is inferred that angels existed before the Creation (Gen. i. 26; Job, xxxviii. 7). The earlier Biblical writings did not speculate about them; simply regarding them, in their relations to man, as God's agents. Consequently, they did not individualize or denominate them; and in Judges, xiii. 18, and Gen. xxxii. 30, the angels, when questioned, refuse to give their names. In Daniel, however, there occur the names Michael and Gabriel. Michael is Israel's representative in heaven, where other nations�"the Persians, for instance�"were also represented by angelic princes. More than three hundred years before the Book of Daniel was written, Zechariah graded the angels according to their rank, but did not name them. The notion of the seven eyes (Zech. iii. 9, iv. 10) may have been affected by the representation of the seven archangels and also possibly by the seven amshaspands of Zoroastrianism (compare Ezek. ix. 2).
"Angels transcend every religion, every philosophy, every creed. In fact angels have no religion as we know it... their existence precedes every religious system that has ever existed on earth."
St. Thomas Aquinas
GABRIEL, or in the ancient Egyptian language pronunciation, Kha-Vir-El, Ga or Ka denotes desire, sentiment, and expressed love. Bir or Vir indicates element. Gabriel's �light is sky-blue in many different shades, and he is the ruler of water and the liquids. Gabriel is the steward of the entire physical kingdom and gives us the body's various fluids.� Color - shades of brilliantly azureOur Archangels are logoic and Holy Spiritual Beings, who build, govern over and project themselves into the universes. Within Absolute Beingness are Orders of Archangels, Holy Monadic Beings, each Order containing myriad upon myriad of Beings of the same kind. We know of the existence of twelve Archangelic Orders: Thrones, Authorities, Dominions Principalities, Overlords, Seraphims and Cherabims together with other named and unnamed. They possess Total Wisdom, Love, Power and Absolute Self-awareness. Angels are elementals of Archangels.
No one has ever spoken in detail of the kind of vibrations of the Archangels who belong to the higher echelons of the Orders. Few have come close enough to these Orders to attune to them. Human language, in any case, proves inadequate to describe their splendor.
When a human being descends into the worlds of separation, an Archangel of the Thrones accompanies him as his Guardian Archangel. Even if we are unaware of his presence, our Guardian Archangel, with whom we are egofied, is always caring for us.
I wept blood. I caught the tears in a cup and drank them.
When I looked up from my drink of sorrow, the archangel Gabriel gentle Gabriel Gabriel, Lord of Mercy appeared to me.
The archangel Gabriel said unto me, "Son of Adam, Son of Eve. Behold the mercy of the Father is greater than you can ever know for even now there is a path opened a road of Mercy and you shall call this road [Golconda]. And tell your children of it, for by that road may they come once again to dwell in the Light."
And with that, the darkness was lifted like a veil and the only light was Lilith's bright eyes.
Jibrail or Jibril descending from heaven to meet Muhammad
Also spelled Jabra'il in Islam, the archangel who acts as intermediary between God and man and as bearer of revelation to the prophets, most notably, to Muhammad. In biblical literature Gabriel is the counterpart to Jibril. Muhammad himself could not at first identify the spirit that possessed him, and the Qur'an mentions him by name only three times. Jibril, however, became Muhammad's constant helper. He and the archangel Mikal purified Muhammad's heart in preparation for the Prophet's ascension to heaven (mi'raj), and then Jibril guided him through the various levels until they reached the throne of God. When Muhammad recited a supposed revelation acknowledging the pagan goddesses al-Lat, al-'Uzza, and Manat, Jibril chastised him (Muhammad) for presenting as divine a message inspired by the devil. Jibril also helped Muhammad in times of political crises, coming to his aid at the Battle of Badr (624) with thousands of angels, then telling him to attack the Jewish tribes of Banu Qaynuqa' and Banu Qurayzah.
On the night of Ishra Jibril and Mikhail cleansed Muhammad before the night trip to heaven. As angels watch, Jibril is cleansing the Prophet (on the right)
Muhammad generally only heard the voice of his inspiration, but, according to 'A'ishah, his wife, he saw Jibriltwice “in the shape that he was created� and on other occasions as a man resembling Dihyah ibn Khalifah al-Kalbi, an extraordinarily handsome disciple of Muhammad. Others have described the archangel as having 600 wings, each pair so enormous that they crowd the space between East and West. Jibril has also been depicted as sitting on a chair suspended between heaven and earth. The popular image of Jibril is of an ordinary, turbaned man, dressed in two green garments, astride a horse or a mule.
Muslim traditions concerning Jibril largely concur with biblical accounts of Gabriel, but his special relationship with Muhammad has inspired a mass of mythical detail. Jibril is said to have appeared at Adam's side after his expulsion from paradise and shown him how to write and work iron and raise wheat. Jibril later appeared in Egypt to help Moses and to deceive the Egyptians into entering the Red Sea in pursuit of the Jews. The name of Jibril figures in the preparations of charms and appears with the names of the other archangels on the sides of magic squares.
The Holy Archangel Michael and all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven (November 8)
The angels of God have been commemorated by men from the earliest times, but this commemoration often degenerates into the divinization of angels (IV Kings 23:5; A.V. II Kings). Heretics always wove fantasies round the angels. Some of them saw the angels as gods and others, if they did not so regard them, took them to be the creators of the whole visible world. The local Council in Laodicea, that was held in the fourth century, rejected in its 35th Canon the worship of angels as gods, and established the proper veneration of them. In the time of Pope Sylvester of Rome and the Alexandrian Patriarch Alexander, in the fourth century, this Feast of the Archangel Michael and the other heavenly powers was instituted, to be celebrated in November. Why in November Because November is the ninth month after March, and it is thought that the world was created in the month of March. The ninth month after March was chosen because of the nine orders of angels that were the first created beings. St Dionysius the Areopagite, writes of these nine orders in his book, "Celestial Hierarchies." These orders are as follows: six‑winged Seraphim, many‑eyed Cherubim, godly Thrones, Dominions, Virtues, Powers, Principalities, Archangels and Angels.
In Mother Alexandra's book, "The Holy Angels," these nine orders are further divided into three hierarchies. The third level includes Michael with the Principalities, Archangels, and Angels. Their special domain is the earth. they execute God's will, are continuous guardians of the children of men, and messengers of God. The holy angels are "more than the bearers of divine messages and the guides of men: they are bearers of the very Name and Power of God . they are flashes of the light and strength of the Almighty Lord."
The leader of the whole angelic army is the Archangel Michael. He is mentioned by name four times in Scripture: twice in Dan (10:13 ff. and 12:1), where he is represented a the helper of the Chosen People, once in Jude (v.9), disputing with the devil over the body of Moses, and once in Rev. (12:7-9), fighting the dragon. In Joshua 5:13-15, a "man" with a drawn sword in his hand appeared before Joshua, identifying himself as the "commander of the army of the Lord."
By tradition, the Archangel Michael also represents the "cherubs and the fiery sword that turns about to keep the way of the tree of life" from Adam and Eve after God had expelled them from the "Garden of Delight" (Gen. 3:25. Since the sanctuary represents the Kingdom of Life, the movement from the sanctuary is always out through this door, while the door with the Archangel Gabriel represents our return to Paradise, because he announced to the Virgin the Good News that Immanuel was to come: God with us.
Archangel Michael also plays an important part in the apocryphal literature, e.g. in the "Assumption of Moses," in "Enoch," and in the "Ascension of Isaiah," where he appears as "the great captain" "who is set over the best part of mankind." In connection with the scriptural and apocryphal passages he was early regarded in the Church as the helper of Christian armies against the heathen, and as a protector of individual Christians against the devil, especially at the hour of death, when he conducts the souls to God. His cult originated in Phrygia, where he was chiefly venerated as a healer, and many hot springs were dedicated to him both in Greece and Asia.
When Satan, Lucifer, fell away from God, and carried half the angels with him to destruction, then Michael arose and cried to the un-fallen angels: "Let us give heed! Let us stand aright; let us stand with fear!" and the whole angelic army sang aloud: "Holy, holy, holy Lord God of Sabaoth; heaven and earth are full of Thy glory!" Among the angels there rules a perfect unity of mind, of soul and of love; of total obedience of the lesser powers to the greater and of all to the holy will of God. Each nation has its guardian angel, as does each individual Christian. We must keep in mind that, whatever we do, openly or in secret, we do in the presence of our guardian angel and that, on the Day of Judgment, a great multitude of the holy angels of heaven will be gathered around the throne of Christ, and the thoughts, words and deeds of every man will be laid bare before them. May God have mercy on us and save us at the prayers of the holy Archangel Michael and all the bodiless powers of heaven. Amen.
The Archangel Gabriel
The Other Bodiless Powers Commemorated
That the angels are constantly involved in this world is testified to, clearly and unmistakably, in Holy Scripture. Both from the Scriptures and from Holy Tradition, the Orthodox Church has learned the names of the seven leaders of the heavenly powers: Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salathiel, Jegudiel and Barachiel (and to these is sometimes added an eighth, Jeremiel).
"Michael" in Hebrew means "Who is like God " or "Who is equal to God " St Michael was depicted in the earliest Christian times as a leader, bearing a spear in his right hand with which he attacks Lucifer, Satan, and holding in his left hand a branch of green palm. At the top of the spear is a plaited braid with a red Cross. On our icons, Michael and Gabriel have lightening bolts streaming from their heads, signifying the speed with which they move from one place to another. The Archangel Michael is considered especially to be the guardian of the Orthodox faith and a fighter against heresy.
"Gabriel" means "man of God" or "power of God." He is the herald of the mysteries of God, especially the mystery of the Incarnation and all those that are linked with it.
Raphael" means "God's healing," or "God the Healer" (Tobias 3:17; 12:15).
"Uriel" means "fire" or "light of God" (II Esdras 4:1; 5:20)
"Salathiel" means "one who prays to God" (I1 Esdras 5:16).
"Jegudiel" means "one who glorifies God."
"Barachiel" means "the blessing of God."
"Jeremiel" means "God's exaltation." He is venerated as an inspirer and awakener of those higher thoughts that raise a man God‑ward.
Supreme commanders of the heavenly armies, we, the unworthy, do ever entreat you, that by your prayers ye surround us with the protection of the wings of your immaterial glory, preserving us that earnestly fall down before you and cry aloud: Deliver us from misfortunes, in that ye are the leaders of the hosts on high.
O ye chief commanders of God, ministers of glory divine, captains of the angels and instructors of men: beg ye great mercy and that which is profitable for us, for ye are the supreme commanders of the bodiless hosts.
The Guide informed Mustapha about the existence of higher beings
"There are a number of orders of Angels.
1. There are many good spirits & souls of good intent who are associated with individual human beings. By acting as guardian spirits they grow and evolve whilst in spirit form and contribute to the Good.
2. There are of course many negative and demonic spirits who also attach themselves to people and places.
3. The higher orders of Angels work on a broader plane, influencing the direction of human and ecological development on the earth and on other planets and spheres.
Therefore 'Guardian Angel', spirits and Angels should not be confused. The higher beings have much greater powers of cognition, omniscience and ability to influence events on earth, but also greater responsibilities.
They must maintain equilibrium in their own consciousness and their closeness to The Father. Glory to The Father. This is secret and profound knowledge.
The higher beings have the capability to maintain many hundreds of relationships simultaneously and to communicate simultaneously to many individuals at the same time and in different guises which allow best communication with that person.
It was this energy vibration which spoke to those teachers and prophets of ancient times as directed by The Father.
In modern times electronics and stock markets are the medium of prophecy and there will be new prophets of the internet age."
found at: dhushara.freehosting.net These are some more Islamic (Turkish) images of Angel Gibril. Many consider images of Mohammed, may peace be upon him, as blasphemous to Islam, so links only are provided. Anyone who do not wish to view them may refrain.
Click to view 'The Time Image from Jerusalem - Muhammad before the ascent from Jerusalem with Gabriel'
Time sorry for Mohammed image BBC Sunday, 22 April, 2001, 10:12 GMT 11:12 UK Kashmir is India's only Muslim-majority state The international news magazine Time has apologised to Muslims after an image of the Prophet Mohammed, may peace be upon him, in its 16 April issue sparked riots in Kashmir. Students offended by the image threw stones at police and burned several cars in Indian-administered Kashmir, while security forces responded with tear gas and bamboo canes. The magazine was removed from news-stands by government order in Malaysia, where Islam is the official religion. The picture - part of a special report on "Jerusalem at the time of Jesus" - showed Mohammed, may peace be upon him, meeting the Archangel Gabriel to receive a revelation from God.
Click to view 'Muhammad in the heavens above Mecca' Images of Mohammed are considered blasphemy in Islam. 'Unintentional affront' The editor of Time's Asian edition apologised for what he called "an unintentional affront to the Islamic faith. "Time regrets the publication of this image," said editor Adi Ignatius. Police in Kashmir said as many as 5,000 people, mostly students, demonstrated in the summer capital Srinagar and in nearby Anantnag on Saturday in protest at the image. Click to view - 'Muhammad with Gabriel before the jewelled tree of paradise'
Kashmir is India's only Muslim-majority state. Sale banned Authorities there banned the sale of the magazine following the demonstrations. It was also banned in Malaysia, although it is not clear how much affect the prohibition will have, since news-stands had already begun selling the next issue of Time. Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi was unable to explain how the 16 April issue got through the country's censors. "I don't know how but it seems that they missed it", he said.
Gabriel before the flames of hell (Gabriel in top right of picture)
The original pencil drawing "Gabriel" is not for sale. However, original pastel paintings by Miriam A. Kilmer are available for sale at Foxhall Gallery. Please contact Jerry Eisely by phone (202-966-7144), fax (202-363-2345), or email foxhallgallery@foxhallgallery.com.
The Jews venerated Gabriel as the angel of judgment, and in both Jewish and Christian tradition he is one of the seven archangels. Gabriel is also known to Moslems, who believe him to be the angel who served as the mouthpiece of God in dictating the Koran to Mohammed.
Mention of St Gabriel occurs four times in the Scriptures:
He first appears to Daniel in the guise of a man and proceeds to interpret a vision Daniel has had of a ram with two horns, which is overcome by a he-goat. Gabriel explains that the ram is the empire of the Medes and the Persians which will be destroyed by the he-goat, the king of the Greeks (Alexander the Great). This vision came to Daniel in the year 554 BC, while the Israelites were in captivity in Babylonia. The prophecy was fulfilled nearly 200 years later.
The angel Gabriel again appears to Daniel to foretell the coming of the Messiah and the destruction of Jerusalem and its sanctuary.
The next appearance of Gabriel is recorded in Luke 1:11-20, where he predicts to the priest Zachariah as he is burning incense at the altar in the temple that his wife is to bear a son whose name shall be John.
The final mention of Gabriel is found a little later in the same chapter of St Luke's Gospel, where he goes to the Blessed Virgin Mary with the tidings that she is to be the Mother of the Messiah. Thus we see that Gabriel comes as the bearer of good tidings and as the comforter and helper of men.
In Milton's Paradise Lost, (book iv), Gabriel is placed at the eastern gate of Paradise as chief of the angelic guards.
Christian tradition holds that Gabriel is the unnamed angel who spoke to St Joseph and proclaimed the birth of Christ to the Shepherds. He is also believed to be the angel who comforted Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. A fresco of this angel figures prominently in a chapel on the Via Appia, indicating that he was honoured very early in the history of the Church. The Hebrew word from which Gabriel is derived means "hero of God".
Saint Gabriel's feast day used to be 24 March, the day before the feast of the Annunciation. However, following the revision of the Calendar following Vatican II, he now shares a feast day with St Michael and St Raphael on 29 September.
Posts
t.
Gabriel; name
means "God Conquers/ the might of God" Patron of the sacrament of
Baptism,
Archangel of the Annunciation and the Incarnation's triumph over sin
&
death, his lilies represent the new purity of the soul through
Baptism,
his banner, Our Lady's universal motherhood.
GABRIEL, 
