Saint Raphael of Brooklyn

  

Our Father among the Saints, Raphael, Bishop of Brooklyn (1860-1915), was the first Orthodox Christian bishop consecrated on American soil. Traveling throughout the continent in the first years of the 20th century, he founded 30 parishes in North America. He was born and raised in the Beirut, Lebanon, educated by Greeks at Halki and by Russians at Kiev, and he spent the last 19 years of his life as a missionary in North America. His feast day is celebrated on the first Saturday in November.

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.

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