Unexpected Findings at Yonkers Seminary
It seems divine intervention was at play last week at an orthodox seminary in Yonkers, where workers came across what they initially thought were drugs. However, they quickly realized that these objects were, in fact, sacred relics.
According to reports from WABC, drug-sniffing dogs were called to St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary after the discovery was made.
Instead of illicit substances, they uncovered a first-class relic of St. Raphael of Brooklyn. This remarkable figure, who was a Syrian immigrant, was the founder of St. Nicholas Cathedral in downtown Brooklyn. The relic may include his bones or flesh, recognized by the Orthodox Church of America.
“The individuals who found the artifacts were uncertain about their significance,” stated Father Michael Nasser of the seminary. “They weren’t stored in anything typical.”
Once the unusual items were found, the seminary promptly sought assistance from local law enforcement.
Detective Lieutenant Colonel Frank Didomizio from the Yonkers Police recounted the event: “I was on duty nearby at a construction site when a seminary member approached me, believing they had discovered some kind of illegal substance.”
It turned out that during transportation, the relic had slipped from a plastic bag. Fortunately, there was no visible damage.
“This has a spiritual significance and helps us connect with the individual. He lived in the 20th century,” Nasser remarked, referring to the saint who passed away in 1915.
As the police recognized the true value of these relics, it became clear they surpassed any street drugs in importance.
The discovery turned out to be a fortuitous occasion beyond the mix-up.
“We had the chance to meet K-9 units that came here for special prayers and blessings. It allowed us to express gratitude on behalf of the seminary and the broader community,” Nasser shared with WABC.
Saint Raphael, who is noted as the first Orthodox Christian bishop ordained in America, established 30 churches across North America. He was born in Beirut in 1860 and immigrated to the United States in 1895, with his feast day celebrated on the first Saturday of November.
