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The Day of the Holy Raphael, Archangel
[December 22]
THE COLLECT
O God, who art the author of peace and health, in the Gnosis of whom standeth our eternal life, whose service is perfect freedom: defend us Thy humble servants from all afflictions and infirmities that take our power from the tasks we dedicate to Thee. We thank Thee for Thy glorious messenger and healing angel, Raphael, and for the aid and comfort given to us by all Thy holy angels, now and for evermore.
Amen.
THE LESSON
The lesson is taken from the Book of Tobit:
And the angel said unto them: Bless God, praise him and magnify him and praise him for the things which he hath done unto you in the sight of all that live. It is good to praise God and exalt his name and honourably to show forth the works of God: therefore be not slack to praise him. Do that which is good and no evil shall touch you. A little with righteousness is better than much with unrighteousness. It is better to give alms than to lay up gold; for those that exercise alms and righteousness shall be filled with life, but they that transgress are enemies to their own life. God hath sent me to heal, thee and thy daughter, for I am Raphael, one of the seven holy angels which present the prayers of the saints and go in and out before the Glory of the Holy One.
THE GOSPEL
The gospel is taken from the Gospel according to St. John:
Then said they unto Jesus: What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? Jesus answered and said unto them: This is the work of God, that ye believe on Him whom He hath sent. For the Bread of God is He who cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto Him: Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto them: I am the Bread of Life; he that cometh to Me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on Me shall never thirst. All that the Father giveth Me shall come to Me; and him that cometh to Me I will in no wise cast out.