Gabriel
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Luke 1:19) — one of the seven chief angels, who brings up the prayers of men to God. He was sent by God to announce to Zacharias the birth of John, and to the Most Holy Virgin Mary the birth from her of the Savior (Luke 1:11–19, 26, 30, 31). Before this, God had commanded the Archangel Gabriel to explain to the prophet Daniel the vision of the ram and the he-goat, and also the mystery of the seventy weeks (Dan. 8:16; 9:21). The name Gabriel signifies “strength of God.” In the Koran of Muhammad he is given special honor and praise.