In the archangel’s hand is a white lily, the sign of the Annunciation. This is an icon of the Archangel Gabriel on stone: a tall arch, a gold background, a figure standing on clouds. At the top is an inscription with the name; along the edge runs an ornamental border.

Who the Archangel Gabriel is in Scripture

The name Gabriel, from the ancient Hebrew, is interpreted as “man of God” or “power of God”.

In the Book of the Prophet Daniel he explains a vision to the prophet (Dan. 8:16) and comes to him during prayer (Dan. 9:21).

In the Gospel of Luke the archangel names himself: “I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God” (Luke 1:19, RSV). These are his words to the priest Zechariah, to whom he announces the birth of a son, John the Baptist.

And then comes the main thing. Gabriel is sent to Nazareth, to the Virgin Mary, with the news of the birth of Jesus (Luke 1:26–38). The Church calls this event the Annunciation, and Gabriel its messenger.

Icon of the Archangel Gabriel with a lily: what the flower means

The white lily recalls the news the archangel brought to the Virgin Mary. Gabriel is painted with a lily or a branch from Paradise; these are interpreted as signs of virginity and grace.

It was not so from the beginning. In older icons of the Annunciation the archangel holds a staff, a sign of authority from heaven. The lily came later, from Western models, as a symbol of purity.

Gold in an icon stands for heavenly, Divine light. And the archangel stands not on the earth but on clouds. The background and the clouds say the same thing: the space of the icon is not earthly.

Icon on stone in an arch: why the shape repeats the figure

The tall arch repeats the vertical of the figure. The archangel stands at full length, and the shape has something to follow upwards.

The arch is also the language of architecture itself: it is how doors, windows and niches are outlined. An icon in an arch sits on the wall like one more opening, only one that does not open onto the outdoors. The border along the edge holds that boundary.

When the feast of the Archangel Gabriel falls

The Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel is celebrated on the day after the Annunciation: on 26 March by the Revised Julian calendar; in communities that keep the Julian calendar, on 8 April (New Style). Such a synaxis is a day in honour of a participant in the event that the Church celebrated the day before.

There is a second day as well: 13 July by the Revised Julian calendar; in communities that keep the Julian calendar, 26 July (New Style).

Icons of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel: why they are painted as a pair

Gabriel and Michael are traditionally depicted as a pair, notably on the deacons’ doors of the iconostasis, the side doors, north and south. We wrote separately about the other of the pair: “Icon of the Archangel Michael on stone: an image in a carved frame”.

For the design this means something simple. If the icon of Gabriel is to have a companion, both images are drawn together: one height of arch, one scale of figures.

What to decide before ordering

Place. A wall, a niche or a pier between windows: the height of the arch and the size of the figure depend on it.
Pair. Whether the Archangel Michael will stand alongside. If so, both icons are best designed at once.
Attribute. Lily or staff: this is best agreed with the rector before the sketch.
Inscription. The name at the top: in which language and in what lettering.

Questions and answers

Why is the Archangel Gabriel depicted with a lily? The lily recalls the Annunciation, the news he brought to the Virgin Mary. In older icons a staff stands in its place.

Can an icon of the Archangel Gabriel be ordered in a shape other than an arch? Yes. The place suggests the shape. We begin with a photograph and the dimensions of the place, then a sketch and drawing, approval, fabrication and installation.

Must the icons of Michael and Gabriel be ordered together? No. But if a pair is planned, it is better to design both at the same time so that the proportions match.

If you are looking for a place for an icon of the Archangel Gabriel, send a photograph of the wall or niche and the dimensions, and we will advise on the height of the arch: +380 66 892 98 18. More about this line of work is on the Icons on stone page.