Barachiel

Barachiel(Heb. ברכיאל "blessings of God"), also Barachiel, Barbiel, Barchiel, Barkiel, and Baraqiel, is one of the seven Archangels in Eastern Orthodox tradition.

In the Third Book of Enoch he is described as one of the angelic princes, with 496,000 myriads of ministering angels attending him. He is counted as one of the four ruling seraphim, and counted the prince of the second heaven and of the order of confessors. He is described in the Almadel of Solomon as one of the chief angels of the first and fourth chora.Davidson, Gustav. "A Dictionary of Angels, including the Fallen Angels." New York:The Free Press, 1967. ] He is also regarded as the angel of lightning.

It has also been suggested that he may be identical to Baraqyal, who is occasionally mentioned as a fallen angel.Bunson, Matthew. "Angels A to Z". New York:Crown Trade Paperbacks, 1996. ISBN 0-517-88537-9.]

Iconography

In iconography Barachiel is sometimes shown holding a white rose against the chest, or with rose petals scattered on the clothing, particularly the cloak.Roeder, Helen. "Saints and Their Attributes." Chicago:Henry Regency Company, 1956.] In Catholicism, Barachiel is depicted holding a bread basket.

Patronage

Barachiel's responsibilities are as varied as the blessings for which the arch angel is named, Barachiel is also the chief of the guardian angels and it is written that Barachiel may be prayed to for all the benefits which the guardian angel is thought to confer if one is not praying to the guardian angel directly.

Barachiel is in the Roman Catholic Church associated with Saturday. Fact|date=September 2007 Barachiel is also traditionally associated with the month of February and the Zodiacal sign Pisces.Sisung, Kelle S., editor. "Angels A to Z". New York:Gale Research, Inc. 1996. ISBN 0-7876-0489-5.] He is also sometimes described as being the ruler of the planet Jupiter and the zodiacal sign Scorpio.

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