St. Raphael of Brooklyn Orthodox Church — Church Directory

Quick Facts

Pastor — the shepherd God holds accountable Antiochian clergy under Metropolitan Saba and Bishop Thomas (Diocese of the Mid-Atlantic)

Founded Chantilly/Centreville Antiochian parish

Denomination Eastern Orthodox

Service Times Divine Liturgy in English — services conducted in liturgical tradition of Patriarchate of Antioch

Men's Ministry No

Kids Ministry Yes

Website straphaelva.org

Pastor Credentials Antiochian Orthodox ordained priest

10-Point Theological Scorecard

Christology

Is Jesus the only way? (John 14:6)

Orthodox Trinitarian; affirms Apostles/Nicene Creed.

Strong

Scripture

Inerrancy affirmed? Final authority?

Scripture + Holy Tradition co-authoritative.

Caution

Men's Discipleship

Intentional formation for men?

Standard parish fellowship.

Caution

Soteriology

Faith alone? How is salvation presented?

Eastern Orthodox theosis (deification) with synergism — not Protestant sola fide.

WARNING!

Gender / Biblical Design

Biblical manhood and womanhood by God's design — patriarchal, complementarian, egalitarian, or affirming gender ideology?

Male-only priests; Theotokos/icon veneration.

Male-only priesthood; Theotokos/icon veneration.

Caution

Leadership Structure

Male elders/pastors? Accountability?

Apostolic succession; Antiochian Archdiocese under Metropolitan Saba.

Strong

Preaching Style

Expository or topical/therapeutic?

Liturgical homily cycle (English).

Caution

Mission Clarity

Great Commission central?

Named for St. Raphael of Brooklyn — Antiochian apostle to America.

Caution

Cultural Alignment

DEI/CRT language? Social justice crowding out gospel?

Antiochian jurisdiction historically emphasizes English-language liturgy and evangelism to Americans (attracting many Protestant converts).

Caution

Accountability Structure

Denominational home, elder plurality, or external network — is the pastor answerable to anyone?

Antiochian Archdiocese of North America confirmed via straphaelva.org (20th anniversary reference). Specific Mid-Atlantic diocese not stated on site but consistent with Centreville VA location. Red rating stands.

Strong

Assessment

St. Raphael serves Northern Virginia's western suburbs (Centreville/Chantilly) under the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese. Named for St. Raphael Hawaweeny, 'apostle to America' — signaling Antiochian emphasis on English-language liturgy and reception of converts from Protestant backgrounds. Eastern Orthodox theosis soteriology remains the red-flag divergence from sola fide; apostolic succession and Nicene orthodoxy fully preserved.

#eastern-orthodox#theosis#sola-fide-rejected#antiochian#chantilly#centreville#english-liturgy

MOOP Engagement Tracker

How this church was personally verified by the MOOP directory team:

✓ Researched church website