The Polish Post Office has presented a new stamp "Saint Archangel Gabriel - patron saint of postmen and philatelists"
On October 14 this year, during the annual celebration of Communications Officer Day in Katowice, a new Polish Post stamp, "Saint Archangel Gabriel – patron saint of postmen and philatelists", was presented.
Designer Roch Stefaniak depicts the figure of the Holy Archangel Gabriel on the new stamp. The stamp was based on the image on the Polish Post's banner, created by Franciscan Father Tomasz Jank, Guardian of the Monastery and Rector of the Holy Trinity Church in Gdańsk.
The postal issue is being issued in conjunction with December 9th – the 50th anniversary of Pope Paul VI declaring the Archangel Gabriel the patron saint of social communications, postal services, and philatelists. He did so at the request of Austrian philatelists in 1972, issuing the apostolic brief "Quandoquidem mortalium vita." This connection stems from the role and depiction of St. Gabriel in iconographic tradition, as a winged figure descending from heaven to deliver messages from God to humanity. The subject of the issue was proposed by the National Club of Collectors of Religious Postage Stamps "Saint Gabriel."
The image of an archangel is accompanied by attributes: a scepter (symbol of divinely granted authority); a lily (peace); and an olive branch or palm branch. Iconography sometimes also includes a trumpet, harp, or scroll (symbol of knowledge and wisdom).
Religious motifs are a common theme on postage stamps, but the current issue by Poczta Polska is unique. It depicts one of the most popular angels, associated with such serious matters as resurrection, annunciation, mercy, punishment, death, and revelation. The name Gabriel means "God is my strength," "man of God," "warrior of God." He is one of the highest-ranking angels, and according to Christian tradition, he is included among the three archangels of special significance.
At the end of October, the Polish Post Office will introduce special folders – with a new print and an unperforated sheet, which will be available at selected Polish Post offices and at www.filatelistyka.poczta-polska.pl
About the stamp:
Designer: Roch Stefaniak
Number of stamps: 1
Value: PLN 3.90
Circulation: 128,000
Printing technique: offset
Stamp format: 45 x 45 mm, including a circle with a diameter of 40 mm
Paper: fluorescent
Sales sheet: 8 stamps
Date of introduction into circulation: October 18, 2022
