Archangel Raphael is lesser known than Archangels Gabriel and Michael - he is only explicitly mentioned once in Holy Scriptures, the Book of Tobit in the Old Testament - but is no less important to humanity and our faith. While Gabriel is a messenger and Michael is a warrior, Archangel Raphael is a healer, providing healing to the earth and its inhabitants. In Hebrew, his name means "It is God Who has healed". He cares for the recovery of the sick, serves as the unseen guide for those who are traveling with important tasks and is the protector of weddings and conjugal love. It is also believed that Archangel Raphael was referenced in the Gospel of John, where the Apostle mentioned the pool called Bethesda in which an angel of the Lord descended and troubled the water, healing the first to step in - the angel, of course, being the Archangel Raphael. *** This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background is comprised of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece. All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere. Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here.
