“We are the body of Christ, and each of us is a member of it. The harmony of many voices joined together in prayer is more pleasing to God than the voice of one.”
St. Basil the Great (Byzantine Father, 4th c.)
Welcome to St. Rafa's
Who We Are
Holy Archangel Raphael Byzantine Catholic Mission (affectionately known as “St. Rafa’s”) is a Byzantine Catholic community located in Santa Paula, California, serving the faithful throughout Ventura County. We gather as a family in Christ, united by the ancient traditions of the Byzantine Catholic Church, and inspired by the love and healing presence of our patron, Archangel Raphael.
Our Mission
We exist to respond to God’s invitation to union with the Body of Christ. Our community is built around:
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Ancient Liturgies – rooted in the beauty and depth of the Byzantine tradition.
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Contemporary Preaching – proclaiming the timeless truth of the Gospel in ways that speak to today’s hearts.
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Education & Discussion – deepening our faith and growing together through learning and dialogue.
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Fellowship – shared meals, friendship, and walking side by side in life and faith.
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Outreach – bringing Christ’s compassion into the wider community.
Why Saint Raphael?
Our patron, the Archangel Raphael, whose name means “God heals,” reminds us that the Church is a place of healing, restoration, and hope. Just as Raphael guided travelers and brought healing in Scripture, we believe our mission is to walk with people on their journey of faith, offering the same peace and joy of Christ.
