TODAY: St Raphael of Brooklyn

TODAY: St Raphael of Brooklyn November 3, 2007

No matter how much I have labored and no matter how much grief I have endured, I consider myself only to have done what was my duty as a Priest. Is it not to the well-being and salvation of our neighbors that we servants of God and spiritual shepherds have dedicated our entire lives?

— St Raphael of Brooklyn

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.

Lover of the holy prayers and divine services of the Church, who can tell of the countless hours spent in their translation for the sake of thy flock? Thou didst gather pearls from the Greek and Slavonic tongues, and fashioned them into pearls of Arabic. Thou didst also teach us to pray in the language of the new world. Now standing at the throne of God, beseech Him to save our souls.

Rising from the east like a brilliant sun, thou, O holy hierarch, dost enlighten and comfort all who with faith flee unto thy paternal lovingkindness. Do thou now intercede for us, O good shepherd Raphael.

NOTE: The major commemoration of Saint Raphael is observed on the Saturday before the Synaxis of the Bodiless Powers of Heaven (November 8), which means that it may fall between November 1 and 7. It is celebrated as a Vigil Rank commemoration.

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