The Glorious Prophet Elias (Elijah)
Prophet Elias of Tishbe – commemorated in the Orthodox Church on July 20th – was a rugged ascetic from Gilead of priestly descent, celebrated as a fiery defender of the divine truth. Clothed in sheepskin with a leathern belt, his Hebrew name (Eliyahu) translates to “Yah (Lord) is my God,” and his unyielding zeal for the Lord earned him the title “Zealot.”
His holy life was marked by mighty wonders and fearless confrontations against the lawlessness of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. Through his unceasing prayers, a three-and-a-half-year drought fell upon the land to turn the hearts of the people back to God. During this time of trial, ravens sustained him by the Brook Cherith. Later, directed to Sidon, he miraculously multiplied the flour and oil of the poor widow of Zarephtha and raised her departed son back to life.
The prophet’s ministry reached a profound climax on Mount Carmel, where he called down fire from heaven to consume his sacrifice before all Israel, manifesting the true God, which was followed by the purging of the false prophets at the Brook Kishon. Strengthened by food brought by an angel, he journeyed for forty days and nights to Mount Horeb, where he partook in the divine presence, perceiving God not in the wind or earthquake, but in the “still small voice.”
He foretold the fall of Ahab’s house, disciplined the captains sent to capture him with heavenly fire, and parted the waters of the Jordan to cross over with his beloved disciple Elisha. In 895 B.C., Elias was snatched away alive into heaven in a fiery chariot – a glorious bodily translation shared only with the Patriarch Enoch. As taught by the Holy Fathers, he remains intimately linked with the uncreated light of Christ, prefiguring the Lord’s glory when he appeared beside Him on Mount Tabor alongside Moses, and anticipating his return as a herald of truth before the Second Coming.
Apolytikion of Prophet Elias
in the Fourth Tone
The incarnate Angel, the Cornerstone of the Prophets, the second Forerunner of the Coming of Christ, the glorious Elias (Elijah), who from above, sent down to Elisha the grace to dispel sickness and cleanse lepers, abounds therefore in healing for those who honor him.
Kontakion of Prophet Elias
in the Second Tone
O Prophet and foreseer of the great works of God, O greatly renowned Elias (Elijah), who by your word held back the clouds of rain, intercede for us to the only Loving One.