Saint Gabriel Gowdel

Biography

Saint Gabriel Gowdel, also known as Gabriel of Białystok, Gabriel Białostocki, Gabriel Belostoksky, Gabriel of Zabłudów, Gabriel Zabłudowski, Gavrila, and Gavriil, was born on 22 March 1684 in the village of Zwierki, Poland. He was the son of devout Orthodox Christian parents, Peter and Anastasia Gowdel. From a very young age, Gabriel exhibited a deep piety and a strong inclination towards prayer. His devotion to God was evident to those around him, and he soon became recognized for his exceptional holiness. Unfortunately, Gabriel's life was cut short when he fell victim to a senseless act of violence. He was murdered on 11 April 1690, at the tender age of six. After his brutal murder, Gabriel's body was hidden by his attacker in a wooded area near the village. Remarkably, stray dogs guarded his remains until the villagers discovered them nine days later. Despite the passing of time and the harsh conditions, Gabriel's body was found to be incorrupt, a sign of his sanctity. In 1720, during an epidemic, children who succumbed to the illness were buried near Gabriel, as their families believed that the ground around a martyr was especially sacred. In a twist of fate, the accidental exhumation of Gabriel's body during this period revealed that it remained incorrupt. Miraculous cures were reported following this incident, and shortly after, the epidemic came to an end. Despite the destruction of the church at Zwierki in a fire in 1746, Gabriel's relics remained intact. It is said that while his hand was burnt in the fire, it later healed, a sign of his continued protection and intercession. In 1922, Gabriel's relics were translated to Saint Nicola's Cathedral in Białystok, where they are venerated to this day. Saint Gabriel Gowdel is honored as a patron saint of children, perhaps due to his own tragic and untimely death at a young age. His feast days are celebrated on 3 May, 22 September (translation of relics), and 20 April according to the Julian calendar. Through his life and miraculous intercessions, Saint Gabriel Gowdel continues to inspire devotion and faith among believers. His story serves as a reminder of the enduring power of holiness and the potential for sanctity even in the midst of tragedy.