Envelope with special cancellation «Archangel Gabriel is the heavenly patron of Ukraine's military intelligence» C6

On October 12, Ukraine celebrates Military Chaplain Day.

On this occasion, Ukrposhta, in cooperation with the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, presents a postage stamp issue featuring a reproduction of the official icon of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, “Archangel Gabriel,” along with the text of the intelligence officer’s principal prayer.

Archangel Gabriel, who symbolizes the order, harmony, inspiration, and intuition associated with intelligence officers, was chosen as the heavenly patron of Ukraine’s military intelligence. This decision was endorsed in June 2025 by Kyrylo Budanov, Chief of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine, and Epiphanius, Metropolitan of Kyiv and All Ukraine.

The icon “Archangel Gabriel” was painted in the style of 18th-century Ukrainian Baroque. At the center of the composition is a frontal, half-length depiction of Archangel Gabriel dressed as a Roman soldier. In his raised right hand, he holds a branch of white lilies, symbolizing the Virgin Mary, while an owl sits on his left hand — an ancient symbol of wisdom and also an element of the emblem of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine. The emblem of the Defence Intelligence of Ukraine is depicted on the archangel’s breastplate.

Icon artists: Serhii Herasymenko and Oksana Samson.

The issue was produced as part of the "Personalized Stamp" project.