Today marks the 100th anniversary of the falling asleep of this pioneering evangelist.
St. Raphael, a native of Syria, was an active and pioneering evangelist in early 20th century America. Aside from being the first bishop consecrated in America (1904), he made several trips across the country ministering to the scattered Orthodox communities, establishing churches, cemetaries and consecrating the land for the first Orthodox monastery in America on July 31, 1905 (St. Tikhon's). He was also an early voice for the need to use English in worship after seeing the children of immigrants adopting the language of their new nation.
When Protestant Episcoplians misinterpretted his friendship with them as endorsement of non-Orthodox sect, he clearly repudiated that in a lenghtly letter in 1912. Excerpts serve as a concise summary of the Orthodox Faith and a timeles warning against false unity:
You were a guardian and a defender of the Church’s teaching; / you protected your flock from false doctrines and confirmed them in the true faith. / O holy father Raphael, son of Syria and glory of North America, / always intercede before the Lord that our souls may be saved. (Kontakion)
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175 St. Tikhon's Road
Waymart, PA 18472
Tue
19MarClean week
6:00 Midnight Office, Matins, 1st hour
9:30 Hours, Typica and Vespers
4:30 Great Compline with Great CanonWed
20MarClean Week
6:00 Midnight Office, Matins, and 1st hour
9:30 Hours, Typica and Presanctified Liturgy
4:30 Great Compilne with Great CanonThu
21MarClean Week
6:00 Midnight Office, Matins, and 1st hour
9:30 Hours, Typica and Vespers
4:30 Great Compline with Great Canon