Raphael (archangel) Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Saint Raphael the Archangel
Saint Raphael the Archangel by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo
Archangel, 'Angel of Tobit', Angel of the Trumpet
Venerated in	Judaism Roman Catholic Church Eastern Catholic Churches Eastern Orthodox Church Oriental Orthodox Church Anglican Communion Islam
Canonized	Pre-Congregation
Feast	29 September; 24 October (local calendars and by those observing the 1921-1969 General Roman Calendar) 3 Kouji Nabot; 13 Koiak (Coptic Churches)
Attributes	Archangel holding a bottle or flask; Archangel walking with Tobias; Archangel sounding a trumpet; young man carrying a fish; young man carrying a staff
Patronage	Apothecaries; Ordained marriage; blind people; bodily ills; diocese of Madison, WI; druggists; archdiocese of Dubuque, Iowa; eye problems; guardian angels; happy meetings; insanity; lovers; mental illness; nightmares; nurses; pharmacists; Healing; physicians; archdiocese of Seattle, Washington; Abra de Ilog, Mindoro Occidental, Philippines; Aloguinsan, Cebu, Philippines; shepherds; sick people; travelers; young people

Raphael is a very important angel, known as an archangel. This means he is a "chief" or "highest" angel. He is famous in many religions for his healing powers. His name, Raphael, actually means "God heals" or "It is God who heals". People celebrate him on special days, called feast days, on September 29 and October 24.

Raphael in Different Religions
Raphael's Story in the Bible
- Tobias's Journey
What Raphael Represents
- Symbols of Raphael
Images for kids
See also

Raphael in Different Religions

Raphael is an angel who appears in several major religions. He is an archangel in both Judaism and Christianity. In Islam, Raphael is known as Israfil. He is considered the fourth most important angel in Muslim traditions. Raphael is also mentioned briefly in Mormonism, in a book called the Doctrine and Covenants.

Raphael's Story in the Bible

Raphael is often linked to the angel in the Gospel of John. This angel was said to stir the water at the healing pool of Bethesda. People believed that the first person to enter the water after it moved would be healed.

Raphael is also a main character in the Book of Tobit. In this story, the Lord sends Raphael to help a man named Tobit. Tobit was blind and needed healing. Raphael also looks after Tobit's son, Tobias.

Tobias's Journey

Raphael travels with Tobias to a village. There, Tobias meets Sarah, who will become his wife. Sarah has a big problem: an evil demon keeps killing every man she marries on their wedding night.

During their journey, Tobias and Raphael catch a fish together. Raphael tells Tobias to use the fish's gallbladder to heal his father's eyes. Raphael also teaches Tobias how to protect himself from the demon. Tobias makes a small fire and burns the fish's heart and liver. The smoke from this drives the evil demon away.

What Raphael Represents

Raphael is known as the angel who can heal. He is considered the patron saint, meaning he takes special care of, young people, shepherds, sick people, and travelers. People pray to him for help with eye problems and even nightmares.

He is also seen as a special helper for many professions. These include apothecaries (who prepare medicines), nurses, pharmacists, and physicians. Raphael is also connected to guardian angels and happy meetings. It is believed that he guards pilgrims on their journeys.

Symbols of Raphael

Raphael is often shown holding a staff, which represents his role in guiding travelers. He is also frequently pictured holding or standing on a fish. The fish is a symbol of how he used a fish's gall to heal Tobit's father.