St Raphael

Kontakion 8.

When the holy hierarch and confessor Tikhon was sent to America, thou didst receive him as the true shepherd of the flock of Orthodox Christians. Knowing that in Christ all are one, whether Arab, Greek or Russian, thou didst rejoice in God, chanting: Alleluia.

Oikos 8.

As a healer of souls and a peacemaker, whether in an established Temple, a storefront or a family’s living room, thou didst gather the people for prayer. Carrying on the apostolic ministry of reconciliation, uniting brother to brother, healing wounds, thou didst establish over them the banner of love. Wherefore, as to one who hast shown himself to be a son of God, we joyfully chant to thee these praises:

Rejoice, thou who didst exhort the people of God not to receive His grace in vain;
rejoice, thou who didst in all things approve thyself as a minister of God.
Rejoice, thou who didst live as unknown and yet well known;
rejoice, thou who, though dying, didst live.
Rejoice, as sorrowful, always rejoicing;
rejoice, as poor, thou didst make many rich.
Rejoice, O Father Raphael, good shepherd of the lost sheep in America.

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