Kyiv Theological Academy Honors St. Raphael of Brooklyn
Source: Ancient Faith
KYIV — A new pilgrimage service named after St. Raphael of Brooklyn has been inaugurated at the Academic Church of St. John of Damascus, located at the Holy Protection Monastery in Goloseev. The initiative, blessed by Abp. Sylvester of Bila Tserkva, Rector of the Kyiv Theological Academy and Seminary, aims to foster spiritual growth and cultural education among the faithful.
St. Raphael of Brooklyn, a notable alumnus of the Kyiv Theological Academy in the late 19th century, holds a significant place in Orthodox history as the first Orthodox bishop consecrated in North America. The newly established service honors his legacy by organizing pilgrimage programs to sacred sites and monasteries in Kyiv and its surrounding areas.
According to the Kyiv Theological Academy, the service will focus on deepening participants’ understanding of Orthodox traditions while promoting cultural and educational development. The programs will include guided tours exploring the history and architecture of churches and monasteries, as well as the lives of revered saints.
The pilgrimage service extends an open invitation to parishioners of the Academic Church, clergy and laity from the capital, and all members of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church to participate in its activities.
This initiative marks a meaningful step in connecting the faithful with the rich spiritual heritage of the region, offering opportunities for both devotion and discovery.
Read also
Ecumenical Patriarch Ordains New Metropolitan of Ankara at Phanar
The Ecumenical Patriarch urged him to promote coexistence and reject of fundamentalism. He stressed the Eucharist and diakonia as core to the episcopal mission and encouraged ongoing theological engagement.
Iran Sentences Christians to Combined 50 Years for Christmas Prayers
Iran has sentenced five Christians, including an Iranian-American pastor, to over 50 years in prison combined for routine faith practices like prayer, baptism, and Christmas celebrations, prompting US condemnation of the regime's religious repression.
Rare Good Shepherd Fresco of Jesus Discovered in Ancient Nicaea Tomb
Archaeologists in Iznik have uncovered what may be the only known Anatolian depiction of Jesus as the Good Shepherd, a rare third-century fresco offering new insight into early Christian art.
Abp. of Crete Declares Loyalty to Phanar
The Archbishop stated that “our Father and Patriarch [Bartholomew] listened to our pain, heard our concerns, and stood by us with genuine pastoral care.”
Abp. Nathaniel Publishes Annual Nativity Letter
"Whosoever believes in Jesus, the Messiah or Anointed one, the Savior, will have the gift of eternal life," Abp. Nathaniel affirms.
OCU Seizes Intercession Church of UOC’s Balta Eparchy in Myrony Village
A parish church in Ukraine’s Odesa region came under OCU control after a disputed “transfer” that the Ukrainian Orthodox Church says was carried out without the participation or consent of its faithful.