On Friday, March 1, 2024, the Diocese community gathered under the leadership of our father in Christ, His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion accompanied by His Grace Bishop Abraham and His Grace Bishop Kyrillos, to bid farewell to the beloved father, Hegumen Raphael Hanna, who departed into eternal rest on Saturday, February 24, 2024 at the age of 67.
The funeral service was preceded by the celebration of the Divine Liturgy by Our Father His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion accompanied by His Grace Bishop Abraham, His Grace Bishop Kyrillos, and many diocesan clergy. Afterwards, the funeral service for departed priests commenced with many priests carrying the pure body of Fr. Raphael Hanna on their shoulders to the place of prayer. In the funeral, the entire community lifted their hearts to God and asked Him to repose the pure soul of Fr. Raphael Hanna in the Paradise of Joy, in the bosom of our holy fathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. At the conclusion of the funeral service, Our Father His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion delivered a moving homily in English celebrating the life and service of Fr. Raphael Hanna. Also, His Grace Bishop Abraham delivered a moving homily in Arabic celebrating the life and service of Fr. Raphael Hanna.
Afterwards, His Eminence Metropolitan Serapion accompanied by His Grace Bishop Abraham, His Grace Bishop Kyrillos, the clergy, and the laity accompanied the pure body to Holy Cross Cemetery where it was buried with prayer, solemnity and great respect.
May the prayers of this departed father aid each and every one of us on the path toward the Kingdom.
