Εορτή των Αγίων Ραφαήλ, Νικολάου και Ειρήνης στη Νότια Αφρική

Feast Day of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene — 7 May 2013

Saturday, 11 May, 2013 by Archbishopric of Good Hope

Church of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene – Vespers Service.

The Feast Day of the Saints was celebrated at the Church of Saints Raphael, Nicholas and Irene at the Archbishopric in Rondebosch, Cape Town. The Vespers service was held on 6 May which was followed by a cocktail evening for all present. It was a very special service as the relics of the saints were displayed to be venerated.
In his address after the service, His Eminence Archbishop Sergios welcomed everyone   and he talked a little about the history of the Church. He said that the Saints had arrived uninvited and took up their post at the Archbishopric. We honour them because they have come to help in our daily lives and to help us reach our salvation in Christ.  His Eminence assured everyone that our Saints live in another parallel world and although we cannot see them or hear them, they are always with us and we can call on them for guidance and help. They have walked the path of Christ and through their martyrdom have been elevated to a place in Heaven where they can intercede for us if we ask them and many miracles around the world are attributed to these Saints.

St Raphael Vespers at Metropolis 2013.

His Eminence thanked the Priests, Archimandrite Evlogios from George and Father Nikolaos from the Cathedral of Saint George in Cape Town and the Psalters present.  He also welcomed Father Elefterious and Presvetera who had arrived from Bloemfontein to attend the celebration. It was their first visit to Cape Town since they have only recently arrived in the country to serve at the Church of the Annunciation in Bloemfontein. He said that wherever Orthodoxy is, the light of Christ will be evident.

Church of Saints Raphael Nicholas and Irene – Vespers Service.

He wished the Consul of Greece, Mr Constantinos Soulios and Mrs Soulios, a safe journey back home to Greece and everything of the best for them and their family’s future. His Eminence also said that despite the economic crisis in Greece and Cyprus, we remain rich because of the Orthodox Faith which we have been born into and which we, as Greeks, have brought not only to Africa but to all parts of the globe, thus spreading the Light of Christ.

St Raphael Vespers.

He then thanked everyone for attending and wished them all the best for the coming year after the end of the season of Pascha. The relics of the Saints were displayed in the Church for the following day when a Divine Liturgy was served in the morning.

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