The Annunciation
Hand-painted icon of Saint Gabriel the Archangel
«Strength of God»: this is the meaning of Gabriel's name, the archangel who announces to Mary the birth of the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38). His icon brings into the home the joy of the announcement and the trust of those who welcome God's will.
How the Archangel Gabriel is depicted
- Standing or half-length, with wings and golden halo, in luminous garments.
- With the messenger's staff and, in many icons, the sphere or mirror bearing the initials of Christ.
- In the Annunciation icon, walking towards the Mother of God with his hand raised in greeting.
- On the doors of the iconostasis and in icons of the Synaxis of the Archangels.
When to give it
The icon of Saint Gabriel is a gift for those who bear his name (Gabriel, Gabrielle), for expecting parents and for a birth, as a sign of good news. He is patron of telecommunications and of those who work with words and messages. The Catholic Church celebrates him on 29 September; Orthodox tradition keeps the Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel on 26 March, the day after the Annunciation. Like every icon from the atelier, it is fully gilded with 23¾ karat gold, with inscriptions in Greek or Latin, and is commissioned with an offering proportionate to the time and materials of the work.
Frequently asked questions
Can I commission the Annunciation icon with Gabriel and Mary?
Yes: it is one of the great liturgical feasts. In the configurator choose «Liturgical feast» and enter «Annunciation», with two figures.