Source: Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America
Story and photos by Dn. Peter Samore
“We must examine our ministry in light of this good shepherd, Raphael. He laid down his life for his people, dying young. Do we do the same?”
On the night of July 25, and into July 26, the 22nd biennial Clergy Symposium concluded with the celebration of a vigil for St. Raphael, bishop of Brooklyn, at Ss. Peter and Paul Church at the Antiochian Village. It was served in the presence of the saint’s newly exhumed relics.
In the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy, His Eminence Metropolitan Saba preached on the gospel reading (John 10:9-16) where our Lord Jesus Christ calls Himself “the good shepherd” who cares for not only His own sheep, but others.
“Many times, we are tempted to feel that we only serve our own churches and parishioners. We must go beyond that,” Sayidna Saba said. “Christ is higher than us, and He wants all people to be saved.”
In the liturgy – concelebrated by His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios of Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, along with Their Graces Bishop Thomas and Bishop John – Metropolitan Saba ordained Deacon Yakoub Daoura to the holy priesthood. He will serve at St. Elias Cathedral of Ottawa, Ont.
After the liturgy, a 40-day Trisagion Service was held for Fr. James Bernstein, who pastored St. Paul Church of Lynnwood, Wash. for 27 years. Present was his son-in-law, Fr. David Sommer, pastor of St. Thomas Church of Snohomish, Wash.
Following the vigil that lasted nearly six hours, Sayidna Saba headed a procession from the church to the dining hall that included an icon of St. Raphael as well as kollyva (blessed wheat) with his likeness. The clergy then shared a simple, quiet meal while the life of the saint was read aloud.
Metropolitan Basilios considered it an honor to celebrate the vigil in front of the relics of St. Raphael. He added that, when the soul is sanctified, the body is sanctified, which is why we venerate holy relics.
