Hierarch · 1860
Repose of Saint Raphael
Repose of Saint Raphael, Bishop of Brooklyn
New Calendar February 27 Old Calendar March 11
Why they are a saint
He was born in Syria in 1860, in the waning years of the Ottoman Empire. In his childhood, his family took refuge in Lebanon after their parish priest, St Joseph of Damascus (July 10) was martyred; but they later returned to Damascus. In 1879 he was tonsured a monk and entered into the service of Patriarch Hierotheos of Antioch.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Repose of Saint Raphael as a patron when they bear the name Repose at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on February 27. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Repose of Saint Raphael, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.