What do we know about the archangel Raphael?

“Raphael” is a Hebrew name which means “the compassion of God.” He was Tobias’ guide throughout his journeys, and he healed his father’s eyes. The Church celebrates his feast on the third of Nesi (the little month), which is the commemoration of the consecration of a church named after him. This church was built by Pope Theophilus, the twenty-third Patriarch of Alexandria. For this reason, the archangel Raphael is considered the intercessor for the sick and the patron of hospitals, the guardian of sailors and travelers, the supporter of physicians and eye specialists, and of those who prepare medical prescriptions. He is also the intercessor of those who desire a happy marriage, who ask for his prayers and his help, that they may find prosperity, happiness, and have children.

St. John Chrysostom narrates his vision concerning the archangel Raphael in a sermon about him on his feast, at the church that was built by the emperor Arcadius in his name. He says, “It happened to me one day, when I John was celebrating my Eucharist at the sixth hour, that a great light rose up in the house wherein I was, and, behold, a young man with an exceedingly beautiful countenance came in to me. He was enveloped in great splendour, and he had a staff of gold, surmounted by a cross, in his right hand, and he called unto me three times, saying, ‘John, you reed of the Holy Spirit! John, you tongue that heals the souls which have been shattered by sin! John, you tongue of the speaker who is able to persuade God in

699 The tree of knowledge of good and evil and the tree of life

700 St. Jacob of Sarug, On the Mother of God Homily 1 (PP 19:29).

the Seventh Heaven!’ And when I heard these words I was troubled, and I fell down at his feet that I might worship him. And he took hold of my hand, and raised me up, and said unto me, ‘Fear not. Do not [worship me], for I am your fellow servant, worship God.’ And I said unto him with fear and trembling, ‘Who are you , O my lord, who are enveloped in such great splendour? I have never seen any one like you.’ And he removed fear from me and he said unto me, ‘I am Raphael, one of the Seven Archangels. I am Raphael whom my Master joined to Philotheus, and I presented him and his father and his mother to the Christ Jesus. I am Raphael the archangel, and the Christ gave you into my hand from the time when you were a child. And moreover, from the time when you were born until this day, I have never left you for an hour, or for half an hour, or even for the twinkling of an eye. And I will never leave you until the day [comes] when I shall take you to the King, the Christ. He gave you into my hand when you were spotless. [I was with you] in the house of the learned man who taught you letters, and also when you made your passage by sea to Athens and Beirut, into which cities you entered. I walked with you and I prepared the path whereon you were to travel, and I prepared for you the instruction which was peculiarly suitable for your mind and heart, even as the husbandman prepares his seed beforehand, and digs his furrows in the water. And now, be strong and prevail. Fear not, O marvellous confessor, for I am not one to strike fear into souls; on the contrary, I am one who gives comfort unto souls, for I am called by my fellow angels, “The merciful angel.” Be strong, let your heart be bold, and fear not, for I am not associated with disturbance, but with peace.’”⁷⁰¹

Archangel Raphael was the aid of many, including Tobias, St. Philotheos, Abba Jesse the martyr, St. Thomas the Anchorite, Prince Theodore of Shatb, the pious queen and the lover of God Euphemia, and many others.

In a doxology for the Archangel Raphael, we sing: “Every generation that was from Adam to this day find Raphael a fortress for mankind. Each one of the judges, the prophets and the just, and the righteous kings, were supported by him. He has guided our holy fathers the Apostles until they restored the world to the knowledge of the truth. He did not forsake any of the struggling martyrs of our Lord Jesus Christ until they wore the unfading crowns. The chosen ascetics, who were lost in the wilderness, Raphael surrounded them, until they completed their lives.”