Saint Raphael Small Byzantine Icon

Saint Raphael was born in 1410 AD on the island of Ithaca, and his secular name was Georgios Laskaris. In his early life, he served in the Byzantine army, but later abandoned worldly life and dedicated himself to God through the monastic calling. He was ordained a priest and eventually became the abbot of the Monastery of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Thermi, Lesvos. In 1463 AD, during the Ottoman conquest of Lesvos, he was captured and subjected to severe torture because of his Christian faith, bearing witness to Christ with great courage as a martyr. His holy relics remained hidden for centuries until they were miraculously discovered in 1959 in Thermi, Lesvos, following reported divine revelations. From that time onward, Saint Raphael has been greatly beloved by the faithful and is widely known for the numerous miracles attributed to him. He is especially venerated as a protector of the sick, families, and children, with many believers testifying to his intercession, particularly in cases of infertility and family struggles. The Orthodox Church commemorates Saint Raphael on Bright Tuesday , together with Saint Nicholas and Saint Irene.