Synaxis of the Holy Angelic and Blessed Powers

Saturday 22nd November 2025 @ 7pm

Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford

The congregation gathered as the bells rang out across Abbotsford. Inside the chapel, peaceful organ music filled the space as people greeted one another and found a place to sit.

Father Matthew and Presbytera Lianna welcomed family and friends tonight as we prepared to celebrate the baptism of their newest daughter, a moment of joy woven into the fabric of our liturgy.

The service began with the Entrance Hymn, followed by the Communal Prayer, uniting our voices in shared petition. The Kyrie was sung with heartfelt devotion by Metropolitan Raffaele, accompanied by Father Mark on the organ, and then we lifted our praise through the Gloria.

The Metropolitan then offered a short reflection about the meaning of a Name Day, the feast of the saint after whom we are named. He explained that those whose names ending in the morpheme “~el” have a power from God - “Elohim” meaning the power and presence of God who is Lord of His people. The type of gift is revealed in the first part of the name: the Rafa in “Raffaele” means the healing and medicine of God. He connected this to the meaning of the child’s name to be given tonight: Chloe Rose, explaining that this meant “nourishment,” and reminded us that she shares her name with the step-sister of the Mother of God. Love, he said, is not only felt but expressed—through words, actions, and gifts.

Father Mark then read from Ephesians, a passage that speaks of one faith, one baptism, and one Lord. The prokiminon was sung while Metropolitan Raffaele responded with the melodic “Alleluia,” before Father Mark returned to the organ and the Gospel was brought reverently among the people.

Father Matthew proclaimed the Gospel of the Good Samaritan, the story that calls us to love our neighbour without measure or boundary.

Metropolitan Raffaele began his homily with a simple question: Who is the Good Samaritan? In the days of Christ, he said, Samaritans were viewed much the same way rival supporters might be in a heated Richmond vs Collingwood AFL match—outsiders, not one of “us.” Yet Jesus uses this unlikely figure to reveal the heart of God.

The story explains that there was a man in the Gospel who was beaten and robbed, and left half dead by the roadside. Those expected to help passed him by: a high priest, and another respectable insider from his tribe. But the Samaritan—the one least expected—stopped, tended his wounds, and carried him to safety.

The Metropolitan explained how in the parable, Jesus Himself comes as the Samaritan, unrecognised by many, yet filled with compassion. The antiseptic oil and wine poured onto the man’s wounds remind us of the healing offered through the sacraments—comfort, cleansing, and restoration.

The Samaritan brings the man to an inn and entrusts him to the innkeeper, promising to return. In this, the Metropolitan said, Christ guides us to those who can help heal us, and also sends us to use our gifts to heal others. Salvation, he reminded us, is not merely rescue—it is to make someone whole, to help them bloom and grow.

The Holy Mysteries continue as the Thrice holy Hymn was chanted and the altar prepared. During the Great Entrance, the gifts were carried forward to the hymn “A te Signor”.

Once the gifts were laid on the altar, Metropolitan Raffaele proclaimed “Peace be with you,” and peace echoed from heart to heart.

The Metropolitan spoke briefly on the nature of true peace—the peace within, the peace between us, and the peace that comes from communion, the union of love that binds us to God and one another. The Creed followed, a reassurance of our shared faith, then the Sanctus, and the blessing and transfiguration of the gifts.

We then moved joyfully into the Baptismal Liturgy. The font was brought forward, and with awe we watched as Chloe Rose was immersed, anointed with holy oil, tonsured, clothed in her new robe of purity, and given her cross.

The Dance of Isaiah was performed as Metropolitan Raffaele circled joyfully around the altar, and Chloe Rose was offered under the protection of the Theotokos and blessed.

Communion was then prepared. We prayed to Mary, sang the hymn to the Theotokos, and recited the Our Father together. The Agnus Dei was sung while the Lamb was placed into the chalice.

The clergy received, followed by the entire congregation.

The Thanksgiving Hymn rose softly through the chapel as the gifts were returned to the side altar.

Our Metropolitan offered a final reflection, recounting the events of 590 AD, during the plague in Rome. He told of Bishop Gregory the Great, who organised a great procession bearing the icon of the Theotokos painted by St Luke himself—the same St Luke who spoke directly with Mary and recorded her memories of Christ’s life.

He spoke of St Veronica whose compassion brought her to Christ, and how the Lord said, “Who touched me?” for He felt her faith. Great faith, Metropolitan Raffaele said, activates God’s mercy.

During the procession in Rome, the Archangel Michael appeared above Hadrian’s Mausoleum, sheathing his sword, and the plague ceased. It was an act seen through the eyes of faith. We then knelt together for the Prayer to the Angels, seeking their protection and guidance.

The liturgy concluded with the final hymn, sung by all as Father Mark played, and afterward we gathered for a joyful agape—with snacks, and a special celebration for Chloe—in the Room of the Virgin Mary.

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