Raphael Archangel

Description

Archangel Raphael is one of the most revered angels in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions. Known primarily as the angel of healing, guidance, and protection, Raphael plays an important role in religious texts and iconography.

• In Christianity, Raphael is often associated with healing and acts of mercy. His name means “God heals” in Hebrew, reflecting his role as a divine healer. He is mentioned explicitly in the Book of Tobit (part of the Deuterocanonical books, which are accepted in the Catholic and Orthodox Bibles but not in the Protestant Bible). In the Book of Tobit, Raphael is sent by God to heal Tobit’s blindness and to assist his son Tobias in his journey to find a wife.
• Raphael is one of the three archangels named in the Christian tradition, alongside Michael and Gabriel. Though not mentioned as frequently in the Bible as Michael or Gabriel, Raphael is highly regarded for his compassionate and healing nature.
• Raphael is also associated with guidance and travel, as he helps guide Tobias safely through his journey and offers advice and protection along the way.
• In Christian iconography, Raphael is often depicted as a youthful angel, sometimes with a staff, symbolizing his role as a guide. He is also shown with a fish, which he instructs Tobias to use to heal his father’s blindness in the Book of Tobit. Raphael is often portrayed alongside Tobias, as they are central figures in the narrative of the Book of Tobit.
• Raphael is considered a patron of healers, physicians, travelers, and those in need of guidance.

• Raphael’s feast day in the Catholic Church is celebrated on September 29, the same day as the feasts of St. Michael and St. Gabriel.
• In the Eastern Orthodox Church, Raphael is also honored on November 8, along with Michael and Gabriel.

• Judaism: In Jewish tradition, Raphael is one of the four archangels, along with Michael, Gabriel, and Uriel. He is considered the angel of healing and is often associated with helping humanity in times of suffering and illness. Raphael’s role in the Book of Tobit is central to his healing nature in both Jewish and Christian traditions.
• Islam: While Raphael is not as central in Islamic tradition as in Christianity, there is an angel named Israfil, who is sometimes associated with the healing role. However, in Islamic texts, Israfil is primarily known for his role as the angel who will blow the trumpet to announce the Day of Judgment.