Exhibit 23.5

                         [RP FINANCIAL, LC. LETTERHEAD]


                          CONSENT OF RP FINANCIAL, LC.




                                               June 15, 2000




         We consent to the inclusion in this Registration  Statement on Form S-4
of Southern Financial Bancorp,  Inc. of our opinion to the Board of Directors of
First   Savings   Bank  of   Virginia  as  set  forth  as  in  the  Joint  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus,  which is part of the Registration  Statement,  and to the
reference  to our firm and  summarization  of our  opinion  in the  Joint  Proxy
Statement/Prospectus  under the  caption  "Opinion of First  Savings'  Financial
Advisor".

                                              Sincerely,

                                              RP FINANCIAL, LC.

                                              /s/ Ronald S. Riggins

                                              Ronald S. Riggins
                                              President and Managing Director