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JOSEPH RAYA Obituary
ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH M. RAYA
ARCHBISHOP JOSEPH M. RAYA (1916 – 2005) In hospital, 10 June, 2005 in Barry's Bay, Ontario. Former Greek Catholic Metropolitan of Akko, Haifa, Nazareth and all Galilee 1968-1974. Key spokesman for justice for dispossessed Palestinians and for the dignity of both Arabs and Jews in Israel. Nominee for this year's Nobel Peace Prize. Born in Zahle, Lebanon, to Michael and Almaz Raya. Survived by one brother, Frank (and Leila) Raya of Nevada, and nieces and nephews Michael and Margaret Raya, Bob and Cheryl Raya, Rosemary Raya, George and Sylvia Bushala, all of California; Albert and Linda Raya of Texas; and Greta Raya de Sesin of Mexico. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to the poor through Madonna House, 2888 Dafoe Road, Combermere, Ontario, K0J 1L0. Please indicate if for the works of Madonna House or for the House of Grace in Israel.
Services will begin 17 June in Ottawa at Sts. Peter and Paul Melkite Church, with Archbishop M. Ibrahim Ibrahim, Eparch of the Greek Catholics of Canada, leading a Wake Service Friday evening and the Divine Liturgy Saturday morning. Services continue at Madonna House in Combermere, beginning Saturday evening with two evening Wake Services and a Byzantine Burial Service on Monday at Noon. See www.madonnahouse.org for details.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPH RAYA
4 Entries
Victoria Goluch
April 5, 2023
April 5 2023 Dearist Joseph You were always my favorite and I was always yours. You always followed me with your letters over the years. You are remembered as being a holy man filled with joy. You were my Santa Claus like you were to everyone bringing joy to all those you met. Jesus spirit in the joy gracious kind honorable and totally quite admirable. Thank you for his presence in my life and all the joy you instilled in my soul. Victoria Goluch 3rd order discalced carmelite
Taras Hankewycz
June 14, 2005
Dear Bishop Raya, I'll never forget the retreat you gave us, when we were in the seminary. Truly, Jesus was and is with you. God Bless You!
Robert Bouchard
June 13, 2005
Dear Bishop Raya: When you spoke to me over the years at Madonna House, you made me feel as if I was the most important person during our exchange. Thank you for showing me the face of Christ!
Sharon Darwent Bouchard
June 13, 2005
I met Fr. Joe many years as ago as a young woman during my stay at Madonna House, Combermere. I will never forget his passion for life and his love of people, especially the underdog. His faith was like a burning fire which touched all those who came in contact with him. On our many visits over the years to Madonna House, Fr. Joe was always so loving and welcoming and we looked forward to his blessings. This world will not be the same without him.
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