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St. Gabriel of Samtavro (Urgebadze)
“My cross is all of Georgia and half of Russia.”
“Christ was born in a manger, and the people… kiss my hands”His older sister, Mrs. Emma, recalls: “No, we wouldn't have understood him. He was a fragile soul from childhood. When he was ordained a priest, the people paid their respects to him in their own way. When Gabriel came home, he often wept bitterly in his church. One day, the church door was left open, and when I heard him crying, I went in and worriedly asked, 'Vasiko, my brother, why are you crying so? Has something bad happened to you?'” “My sister, Christ was born in a manger, and the people pay their respects to me and kiss my hands.”
Venerable Father Gabriel,
Confessor and Fool-for-Christ Monk Gabriel discriminated against everyoneWhen a Georgian shot another Georgian on Rustaveli Avenue, Monk Gabriel rang the bells of Samtavro and mournfully lamented. During this period, Monk Gabriel tightened his fast and abstained almost entirely from food. It's difficult to describe the tears and sorrowful cries with which he prayed to the Almighty and the Most Holy Theotokos for Georgia. Monk Gabriel discriminated against everyone. He lived with the grief and joy of all who came to him. He saved many from being swallowed up by spiritual darkness and, with the grace of his foresight, set them on the right path.
Venerable Father Gabriel,
Confessor and Fool-for-Christ In his final daysIn his final days, Monk Gabriel preached only about love, and with tears in his eyes, he told all the parishioners: “Remember that God is love. Do as much good as possible, so that your kindness will save you. Be humble, for God blesses the humble. Repent of your sins and receive absolution, for 'tomorrow' is only a trap of Satan. Love one another, for without love no one will enter Heaven.”
Venerable Father Gabriel,
Confessor and Fool-for-Christ
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