13 Sep 2008 - Prayers answered

Bishop Barry writes:

I am delighted to be able to give all our family around the world news on the prgoress made by our dear friend and brother; ArchPriest Raphael of the Celtic Orthodox Church.

Father was rushed into Southampton General Hospital for emergency surgery on his heart three weeks ago, and, during this very intricate and dangerous operation, appears to have suffered a series of major strokes.

At the time hope was very sparse for his recovery. However, the outpouring of love and prayers for this gentle and much loved cleric has reaped positive results. I am informed today, by his faithful congregant Sheila, that Father, although by no means recovered, has started to show signs of response and awareness of those around him. He is in the Intensive Care Unit of the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, and I am asking all of you, whomsoever you may be, and whatever your connection to us, to continue to pray for this lovely and much admire man. He is a very close and respected colleague of both Bishop Ashley and myself, and we pray that Almighty God will continue to bestow healing grace upon him at this time. Also prayers please for his congregation in Bournemouth and the many many people he ministers to in the town, the girls of Talbot Heath School who I know are missing his chaplaincy, as well as the staff and customers of Asdas in the town for similar reasons. Not many people know just how much this man does for the love of his calling and we pray earnestly for his recovery and grace.