The Annual Feast of St

👉🏾👉🏾👉🏾 The Annual Feast of St. #Gabriel – A Divine Celebration of Faith and Deliverance (Tahsas 19) Beloved brethren, who walk steadfastly in the light of Orthodox teachings and who draw wisdom from the fountain of holy instruction, greetings to you in the name of our Lord, whose mercy is boundless and whose love endures forever. Today, we stand before the sacred memory of Saint Gabriel, the holy messenger of God, and reflect upon his miraculous works that declare the glory of the Almighty. It is on this blessed day, Tahsas 19, that we commemorate the intervention of Saint Gabriel, who by divine command, delivered the faithful from the flames of persecution and turned the fire into a symbol of God’s triumph. Let us meditate upon this great event and draw strength from its eternal truths. --- The Story of Deliverance: The Faithful Three in the Fiery Furnace The Holy Scriptures bear witness to the faith of three young men—Ananias (Shadrach), Azariah (Meshach), and Mishael (Abednego)—who stood as pillars of righteousness during the reign of King Nebuchadnezzar. Their tale is chronicled in the Book of Daniel (Dan. 3:1-30), revealing the courage of those who put their trust in the Lord. In those days, Nebuchadnezzar, swayed by vanity and pride, erected a massive idol and commanded that all in the province of Galilee bow down and worship it. A royal decree was issued, and anyone who refused to comply would face death in a fiery furnace. When the sound of music summoned the people to worship the idol, these three holy men stood unmoved. Though the king’s authority was great, their faith in the living God was greater. They boldly declared, “Our God whom we worship is able to save us from the fiery furnace; but even if He does not, we will never bow down to the idol you have made.” Enraged by their defiance, Nebuchadnezzar commanded the furnace to be heated seven times hotter than normal. Strong men were called to bind the faithful three and cast them into the inferno. --- The Appearance of the Holy Angel Gabriel But behold! As the flames roared and devoured even the men who had thrown the saints into the fire, a heavenly light descended. The Angel Gabriel, sent by the Almighty, entered the furnace and extinguished the flames, making them as harmless as the dew of the morning. When King Nebuchadnezzar peered into the furnace, astonishment gripped him. He exclaimed, “Did we not cast three men into the fire? But I see four men walking unharmed, and the fourth appears like a son of the gods!” At this, the king’s heart was humbled. He called out the three men, and they emerged without a single hair singed or the smell of fire upon them. Thus, the name of the Lord was glorified, and the king decreed that no one in the kingdom should speak against the God of Israel. --- The Lessons of Faith and Devotion This divine rescue was not merely a historical event but a testament to the unwavering faith that moves the hand of God. It reminds us that: 1. Faith Over Fear – The holy men were not intimidated by earthly power, for their hearts were fixed upon the heavenly kingdom. They teach us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with trials. 2. God’s Deliverance is Certain – Though fire surrounded them, they were unharmed, showing that God is the shield of those who trust Him. 3. Angelic Protection – Saint Gabriel’s intervention demonstrates that God commands His angels concerning us, and they encamp around those who fear Him. 4. The Triumph of Righteousness – The king who sought to destroy their faith became a witness to God’s power, proving that righteousness will always prevail. --- The Significance of Tahsas 19 We celebrate this feast on Tahsas 19 to honor the miraculous intervention of Saint Gabriel and to proclaim the victory of God’s truth over idolatry and oppression. This day is marked by prayers, hymns, and the reading of sacred Scriptures that call us to greater faith and devotion. --- Readings for Reflection Epistle Reading: 2 Thessalonians 1:6-12 Continues 👇🏾