At the end of July, namely the 26th, Orthodox believers celebrate the Cathedral of the Archangel Gabriel. In general, this day is celebrated by the Orthodox Church twice a year - on April 8 (immediately after the Annunciation) and on July 26.
Who is the Archangel Gabriel?
According to the Bible, the Archangel Gabriel is the guardian of the chosen people. This is one of the highest angels, which in the Old and New Testaments is the bearer of good news. In general, the name Gabriel means "fortress of God", "stronghold of God." It was the Archangel Gabriel that the Lord chose as the evangelist for the Virgin Mary and all people about the Incarnation of the Son of God. Orthodox believers on the day after the great feast of the Annunciation (July 8), glorify the Most Holy Virgin, thank the Most High, and also venerate His messenger, Archangel Gabriel.
Most often, the Archangel Gabriel is portrayed as the messenger of God, i.e. next to the person to whom this or that good news was addressed. Gabriel himself is depicted as a majestic person in rich robes (sometimes with a crown).
The mission of the Archangel Gabriel is to save the human race, as well as to return to the Almighty those worldly people who have fallen from the Lord. In addition, the Archangel Gabriel is the messenger of the Lord to inform people of the good news. According to Orthodox iconography, the holy Archangel Gabriel is depicted as an Evangelist Angel. In his hands he holds an olive branch, which is a symbol of the reconciliation of the Lord and creation. Usually this image is placed in the church above the Royal Gates.
