Archimandrite Gabriel (26 August, 1929 Tbilisi – 2 November 1995, Mtskheta, Georgia) (მამა გაბრიელი), born Goderzi Urgebadze (გოდერძი ურგებაძე) is one of the most renowned Georgian monks of the Eastern Orthodox Church.
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He opposed the communist regime in Soviet Georgia (former republic of the USSR) and was persecuted by the government for many years. He built a four-cupola church in his yard single-handedly. Monk Gabriel was arrested by Soviet police after he burnt down a huge portrait of Lenin during the parade in Tbilisi, 1965. Tortured by KGB for several months monk Gabriel was eventually released from prison.
He became immensely popular due to his apparent healing powers and clairvoyance. During his last years he lived in Samtavro Convent (city of Mtskheta) in the King Mirian’ Tower (built in the fourth century). He was visited by hundreds of pilgrims per day from around the world (mainly from Georgia), and was reputed to have the ability to answer his guests' questions before they could ask. Archimandrite Gabriel was extraordinarily harsh to himself, but was too kind and gentle toward others. He is buried in the yard of Samtavro Transfiguration Orthodox Church.
According to thousands of witnesses the oil from lampada which constantly burns at the grave of Monk Gabriel has a healing powers (Church often receives letters/reports from the people being healed from disease like cancer, hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy etc.). The blood of Monk Gabriel is still incorrupt. Today many believers consider him as a saint.
Fr. Gabriel was especially known for his teachings about Love and End Times: