St. Raphael

Some of you know that my last name means of the Angels. I like to think of myself therefore as a messenger. A messenger proclaiming God's goodness, because the Lord is good and a lover of mankind. My first name means to honor with a wreath or crown. Your name has special significance. Do you know what it means? The name Raphael means, in Hebrew, God hath healed. Today, we celebrate his feast day.

We know of three Archangels, and I belong to a church who was named after St. Michael. Do you remember why he holds a sword in his hand?

St. Gabriel, was the messenger sent to the Mother of God, Mary. It is said that he was "awed" by her beauty. On his feast day, I will tell you more about this Archangel.


Today, we remember Archangel St. Raphael. In a world where there is so much suffering we recall the healing power of this Archangel, on his feast day. May we be protected and defended by his help.

St. Raphael is one of seven Archangels who stand before the throne of the Lord. He was sent by God to help Tobit, Tobiah and Sarah. At the time, Tobit was blind and Tobiah's betrothed, Sarah, had had seven bridegrooms perish on the night of their weddings. Raphael accompanied Tobiah into Media disguised as a man named Azariah. Raphael helped him through his difficulties and taught him how to safely enter marriage with Sarah. Tobiah said that Raphael caused him to have his wife and that he gave joy to Sarah's parents for driving out the evil spirit in her. He also gave Raphael credit for his father's seeing the light of heaven and for receiving all good things through his intercession. Besides Raphael, Michael and Gabriel are the only Archangels mentioned by name in the bible. Raphael's name means "God heals." This identity came about because of the biblical story which claims that he "healed" the earth when it was defiled by the sins of the fallen angels. Raphael is also identified as the angel who moved the waters of the healing sheep pool.

One of the many ways I can Kiss the boo-boo today and always, is to say prayers for you or your loved one. Leave me a comment, and I will be happy to pray for those of you who have a special request or need.

Our church, St. Michael Orthodox Christian Church, in Southbridge has had recent healings, such as: cancer, asthma, and others. We believe that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit wants His children to be freed from the suffering they encounter here on earth, and all you need do is "ask".
Leave your prayer request on Fr. Peter's page, where he has offered to place your concern on the Church altar click here!