On February 27th 2024, The feast of one of the primary saints of North America, who is also near and dear to the hearts of the community of St Nicholas Cathedral and the Russian Church in America was celebrated, in accordance to the liturgical calendar; the feast of St. Raphael (Hawawini) Matins and the Divine Liturgy were offered by the rector of the cathedral, Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov.
Saint Raphael being of Syrian origin spent most of his ministry under the jurisdiction of the Russian Orthodox Church. Since 1895, the then Archimandrite Raphael cared for the Arabic Orthodox community under the Russian Church in North America under Bishop Tikhon (Bellavin) the future Patriarch of Moscow and All Russian and future saint.
In 1904, Saint Tikhon led the episcopal consecration of Archimandrite Raphael, who became the first Orthodox bishop consecrated on the American Continent. Assigned to the see of Brooklyn he became vicar bishop for the Syro-Arab Mission subject to the Bishop of North America and the Aleutians. Saint Raphael continued his ministry and dedicated service in America until his repose in the Lord in 1915.