Hieromartyr
Gabriel the Lesser
Hieromartyr Gabriel the Lesser
New Calendar March 17 Old Calendar March 30
Why they are a saint
The calendar keeps Gabriel the Lesser among those who died for Christ. A hieromartyr is honored for dying for Christ while serving as a pastor or, in some commemorations, as a named witness of that rank. Orthodox Christians remember his blood-witness together with the other hieromartyrs.
Limited historical information is available about this saint.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Gabriel the Lesser as a patron when they bear the name Gabriel at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on March 17. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
Prayer
O holy Gabriel the Lesser, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.