In Syria, November 8, 1860, St. Raphael was born to Michael and Mariam Hawaweeny. Like all of us he attended elementary school. Unfortunately his father was not able to afford the tuition, so the Metropolitan of Homs recommended to Patriarch Hierotheos, of Antioch, that Rafla (Saint Raphael’s name given at his baptism) be accepted as a student of the Patriarchate to prepare for the priesthood. This preparation lead to his tonsuring as a monk on March 28, 1879. Fallowing his tonsuring he studied at the School of Theology at Halki. On December 8, 1885 he was ordained to the diaconate. By Bishop Slylvester, he was ordained to the priesthood in 1889. Only a month later he was raised to the position of Archimandrite. This humble man served the church in Russia for many years.
November 2, 1895, Archimandrite Arrived in New York. Making several cross country journeys, seeking out the Arab-Americans of the country. Finding the lost sheep of the church he performed marriages, baptisms, heard confessions, and celebrated Divine Liturgies in the homes of the faithful. Being the Sheperd of the Lost Sheep, he founded 30 churches across the United States, and became know as the Shepherd of the Lost Sheep In America. In December of 1901 Saint Raphael became the Bishop of Brooklyn and in 1904 the 1st Bishop to consecrate the American soil. Saint Raphael also founded the Word magazine we read today.
He died February 27, 1915 at the age of 55, from heart ailment. The wonderful man was buried in New York and then moved to the Antiochian Village Camp. March 29, 2000 his sainthood was proclaimed by the holy synod of the Orthodox Church in America.
With all this said, Oh holy father Raphael pray unto God for us.
Kontakion:
Today the memory of blessed Raphael hath shone on us; For having received Christ’s call, he faithfully took up his cross and followed Him becoming a fisher of men. Let us cry aloud to him saying: Rejoice O Father Raphael!
Troparion:
Rejoice, O Father Raphael, Adornment of the Holy Church! Thou art Champion of the true Faith, Seeker of the lost, Consolation of the 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.
