Archangel Raphael is best known for his role in the biblical account of the holy book of Tobit. He was the guardian angel who accompanied Tobit’s only son Tobias on a distant trip. He healed Sarah, Tobia’s wife to be, and healed Tobit from his blindness. After bringing them back safely, Archangel Raphael revealed himself, and acknowledged that for many years he had been delivering their prayers to God. His other titles are the “healer” and “rejoicing of the hearts”.
On third day of the Coptic month of El Nasie, which coincides with September 8, the Church celebrates the commemoration of the honorable Angel Raphael, the third of the Archangels, and the dedication of his church outside the city of Alexandria. During the time of Pope Theophilus, the twenty-third Patriarch, a faithful woman came from Rome, with her children and had with her a picture of the honorable Archangel Raphael. She had inherited much money from her husband. She revealed to the Pope her desire to build many churches. He showed her a large heap, which was in front of the patriarchate, which she removed and built a church in its place. Then she built another church in the name of the Angel Raphael, which was consecrated on this day.
“For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways” Psalm 91:11.
Archangel Raphael Ministry (A.R.M.), a program under the auspices of the
Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Southern United States, provides information and resources, but is not responsible for the accuracy of the information. We encourage our readers and participants to check with their local agencies.
