St. Raphael Hawaweeny, Bishop of Brooklyn, shepherd of the Orthodox in America.
St. Raphael was born in Syria in 1860 to a devout Damascene family and studied at the theological school of Halki. He served the Antiochian Church in Russia before being sent to America in 1895 to care for the scattered Arab Orthodox faithful.
Consecrated Bishop of Brooklyn in 1904, the first Orthodox bishop consecrated in America, he founded parishes across the continent and reposed in 1915.
Feast day
On the New Calendar, Raphael of Brooklyn is commemorated on February 27. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on March 12 (a day earlier in leap years) of the civil calendar.
Also commemorated on February 27
Ephraim of Katounakia
Venerable, Εφραίμ ο Κατουνακιώτης
Venerable Ephraim of Katounakia, Athonite elder and disciple of St. Joseph the Hesychast.
Elias of Trebizond
Martyr, Ηλίας ο εκ Τραπεζούντος
New Martyr Elias of Trebizond, son of a priest, hanged for his faith.
Gelasios the Mime
Martyr, Γελάσιος ο Μίμος
Holy Martyr Gelasios the actor, who believed while mocking baptism.
Thalelaios the Hermit
Venerable, Θαλλέλαιος
Venerable Thalelaios of Cilicia, hermit near Gabala in Syria.
Name days: Thalelaios, Thaleleos
Stephen of Constantinople
Saint, Στέφανος
Righteous Stephen of Constantinople, founder of a hospice for the aged.
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