Gold foil printed icon of Archangels Michael & Gabriel the Taxiarchs on Hagiography wood.

Dimensions : 26x21cm.

The Archangel Gabriel is one of the four archangels mentioned in the Bible. In the Old Testament he appears to the Prophet Daniel and explains to him the vision of the ram and the goat. In the New Testament he appears to Zacharias and announces to him that her wife Elizabeth will give birth to John the Baptist. He is also the one who announces to the Virgin Mary the birth of Jesus Christ.

The Archangel Gabriel, whose name means "man of God", is celebrated by the Orthodox Christian Church on March 26 of each year.

The Archangel Michael, whose name means "Who is like God?", appears mainly in the Old Testament. During the period of the fall of the Angels, the Archangel Michael united the Angelic Orders. God appointed him as the first of the angelic orders because he preserved His glory and splendor.

In the Old Testament, Michael appears to Abraham and announces the need for the sacrifice of his son Isaac. He is also the one who rescues Jacob from the deadly hands of Esau. In the New Testament the Archangel is the one who will announce the second coming of Jesus Christ to earth. In the Revelation of the Evangelist John the Theologian he is mentioned as the leader of the Angels in the battle against Satan.

The Synaxis of Archangels Michael & Gabriel the Taxiarchs is honored by the Orthodox Christian Church on November 8 of each year.

Apolytikion of Synaxis of the Archangels Michael & Gabriel the Taxiarchs

Fourth Tone

O Commanders of the Heavenly Host, we the unworthy beseech you, that through your entreaties you will fortify us, guarding us in the shelter of the wings of your ethereal glory, even as we fervently bow before you crying: "Deliver us from all danger, as Commanders of the Powers on high! "