Raphael
Also known as: Rafa'el
Angel of healing
Raphael
One of the principal archangels, particularly prominent in Jewish and Christian tradition. Raphael’s name means “God heals” in Hebrew, reflecting his role as a healing angel.
In Judaism
Raphael appears prominently in the deuterocanonical Book of Tobit, where he:
- Guides Tobias on his journey
- Heals Tobit’s blindness
- Drives away the demon Asmodeus
- Reveals himself as “one of the seven angels who stand ready and enter before the glory of the Lord”
In Jewish mystical tradition, Raphael is one of the four archangels surrounding God’s throne, associated with the east and healing.
In Christianity
Raphael is venerated as an archangel, particularly in Catholic and Orthodox traditions:
- Patron saint of healing, travelers, and the blind
- Often depicted with a staff and fish (from the Tobit narrative)
- Associated with medical healing and spiritual restoration
- One of the three archangels mentioned by name in Catholic tradition (with Gabriel and Michael)
The Catholic Church celebrates the feast of St. Raphael the Archangel on September 29.
In Islam
Raphael is not explicitly mentioned in the Quran or mainstream Islamic tradition, though some Islamic scholars have identified him with Israfil or other unnamed angels.
Roles and Attributes
Traditional roles associated with Raphael: