Hand painted Russian icon of Archangel Gabriel. Gabriel is an archangel who, in Judaism and Christianity, discovers God's messages: he informs the Virgin Mary of the impending birth of Jesus Christ and dictates the Koran to Muhammad. One of the two archangels mentioned in the Bible by name - the second being Michael. Gabriel was sent to interpret Daniel's vision and give him the prophecy of the 70 weeks. Some believe that he is a reincarnation of Noah. In the New Testament, Gabriel was sent to Zechariah to tell him of the impending birth of John the Baptist, and to Mary to announce the conception of Jesus Christ in her womb by the Holy Spirit. His name means the power of God in Hebrew. Archangel Gabriel is often depicted on the northern gates of the iconostasis. Gabriel is one of the shield bearers of the coat of arms of the Russian Empire. The icon is uniquely beautiful live!