Repose of St. Raphael of Brooklyn

On February 27, we commemorate the repose of our beloved father among the saints, St. Raphael (Hawaweeny) of Brooklyn.

Today is the day we honor the holy hierarch Raphael! Who can describe his many sorrows and his many labors? Who can describe his many pains? He journeyed on land and on the sea, searching for his lost sheep, in weariness and in poverty, in sleeplessness, thirst and hunger. He became the good shepherd of the lost sheep in America, so let us cry out unto to him: O our Father, intercede for the salvation of our souls!

+ Praises at Orthros

Learn more about St. Raphael of North America via this excellent online resource that includes pictures from his glorification, the story of his life, hymns and more.

Click here for the Akolouthia for St. Raphael.

Click here for biographical details of St. Raphael's life.

Click here for an audio homily by Fr. Peter Gillquist on the life of St. Raphael.

Read about a recent miraculous intervention by St. Raphael, in the life of an Athos monk.

Also, see this New York Times article about St. Raphael written on his arrival in America.

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.

+ Apolytikion, Tone 3