- Rejoice, O Father Raphael, Adornment of the holy Church! Thou art
oppressed, Father to orphans, and Friend of the poor, Peacemaker and
Good Shepherd, Joy of all the Orthodox, Son of Antioch, Boast of America;
Intercede with Christ God
for us and for all who honor thee.
Troparion of St Raphael of Brooklyn.
Born in Syria, St Raphael (Hawaweeny)
a talented scholar at and later at the Theological Academy in Kiev. Fluent in many languages he taught and published
theological treatises. In 1895 he was
invited to shepherd the Arabic Orthodox community in New York City. Immediately on his arrival he began visiting Arabic
speaking communities in North America.
Bringing comfort and the sacraments to these communities.
Because he spoke Russian and
scholarly knowledge of the Orthodox faith he was asked to assist Bishop Tikhon
(later Patriarch of Moscow and Saint) in administering to fast growing
church. St Raphael was consecrated
Bishop of Brooklyn in March 1904. He
continued to serve the Russian church in North America -for example the blessing
of St Tikhon’s Monastery in PA. All the
while he continued to foster the growth of what is now the Antiochian Church in
North America. He is remembered for his
encouragement of the English language in services.
God’s good and faithful
servant died on February 27, 1915. He
was canonized March 2000 by the Orthodox Church in America.
FEAST DAYS: FEB 27TH & First Sat of November
There is a shrine devoted to
St Raphael at the St Nicholas Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral in Brooklyn, NY.
God’s faithful servant is buried
at the Antiochian Village in Ligonier, PA.
Excellent Sunday/Religious School or club gift
Tapestry Book Markers. Made in Turkey.
Price is for 3 book markers