4. "Akabe Hohat": The Guardian of the Door of Mercy
St. Raphael is also called the Guardian of the Door of Mercy, one of the holy angels who acts as a mediator between heaven and earth. He is one of the seven angels who stand before God’s throne, offering up the prayers of the saints (Revelation 8:2). In his own testimony, Raphael declares himself as the one who carries the prayers of the saints to the Almighty, revealing his critical role as a messenger who connects the faithful to their Creator.
One notable miracle attributed to St. Raphael occurred in Alexandria, where, through his intercession, the faithful were saved from destruction when a devil attempted to destroy a church. When called upon, Raphael commanded the demon to stand still, saving the worshipers and reinforcing his role as the guardian who watches over the faithful, ensuring that God’s mercy flows abundantly to His people.
5. "Meraë Fênot": The Leader of the Way
When Tobit sent his son Tobias on a journey to recover money owed to him, it was St. Raphael, in the guise of Azarias, who accompanied him. During this journey, Raphael acted not only as a physical guide but also as a spiritual protector, safeguarding Tobias from harm. At one point, Tobias was attacked by a large fish while bathing in the Tigris River, and it was Raphael who instructed him to capture the fish, using parts of it later to heal his father’s blindness and to drive away the demon afflicting his wife-to-be, Sarah.
This divine guidance is mirrored in the lives of the faithful today, where St. Raphael is called upon as the Guide of the Way, leading people safely through the trials and tribulations of life. He walks alongside them, protecting them from harm and guiding them toward the fulfillment of God’s will. His guidance is a reflection of God’s providential care for His people, ensuring that no soul is lost on the journey toward salvation.
6. "Melake Kebkab": The Blesser of Marriages
As the angel who blessed the marriage of Tobias and Sarah, Raphael is known as the Angel of Peace in Marriage. When Sarah’s previous seven husbands were slain by a demon, it was St. Raphael who drove the demon away and ensured that her marriage to Tobias was blessed and fruitful. As an angel of peace, he continues to intercede for marriages, bringing harmony and divine favor to the union of husband and wife. Couples call upon him to protect their homes from discord, to foster love, and to ensure that their marriage is rooted in the will of God.
7. "Kesate Eweran": The Enlightener of the Blind
St. Raphael’s ministry to Tobit, the father of Tobias, culminates in the healing of his blindness. After Tobias returns from his journey, Raphael instructs him to use the gall of the fish to cure his father’s blindness. In this act, Raphael reveals his role as the Kesate Ouran, the one who enlightens the blind. This role extends beyond physical blindness, as Raphael is also invoked to heal the spiritual blindness that clouds the hearts and minds of those who stray from the light of God. Through his prayers, the faithful seek enlightenment, a deeper understanding of divine truths, and clarity in their spiritual journey.
Conclusion: The Role of St. Raphael in Our Lives
The annual feast of Archangel Raphael on Pagume 3 marks a sacred time of reflection and renewal. It signifies the closing of the old year and the anticipation of the new, mirroring the eternal hope of resurrection and renewal that is promised in Christ. Ethiopian Christians, during this time, immerse themselves in prayer, fasting, and contemplation, seeking the blessings of St. Raphael, whose intercession is powerful in matters of health, marriage, protection, and spiritual enlightenment. His name, meaning "God heals," reminds the faithful that, through the archangel, God's healing grace flows abundantly, restoring not only the body but also the soul.
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