Uriel is an archangel appearing in Rabbinic and various Christian traditions. His name is interpreted to mean "God is my flame" or "God is my light." Often identified as a master of wisdom and knowledge, he is frequently depicted holding a book or a scroll. He is recognized as one of the seven major archangels in certain traditions and is specifically regarded as the fourth archangel in Anglicanism.
Roles and attributes
In various religious texts, Uriel serves diverse functions. He is described as an instructor who guided the prophet Ezra and provided interpretations to Enoch. Some traditions view him as a guardian of the gate of Eden or a figure associated with repentance. He is also linked to the four cardinal points, representing the south, and is considered a patron for the sciences and the arts.
Veneration and traditions
Different denominations honor him on various dates, including September 29 and November 8. In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, he is commemorated alongside other bodiless powers. Ethiopian Orthodox traditions depict him as a figure who collected the blood and water from the side of Christ. While his veneration was once restricted by the Council of Rome in 745, he remains a significant figure in many Christian liturgical calendars.