Faith and courage
Our Patron, Prophet Elias
Prophet Elias—also known as the Prophet Elijah—is one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament.
He lived during the ninth century before Christ, at a time when many of the people of Israel had turned away from the worship of the true God. With great faith and courage, Prophet Elias called the people to repentance and defended the worship of God against King Ahab, Queen Jezebel and the prophets of Baal.
Among the best-known events of his life is the contest on Mount Carmel, where God answered the prophet’s prayer by sending fire from heaven. During a period of drought, Prophet Elias was miraculously fed by ravens and later received shelter from the widow of Zarephath. Through his prayers, her supply of flour and oil did not run out, and her son was restored to life.
Prophet Elias also encountered God on Mount Horeb—not in the wind, earthquake or fire, but in a gentle whisper. Near the end of his earthly ministry, he was taken up into heaven in a fiery chariot as his disciple, the Prophet Elisha, looked on.
In the New Testament, Prophet Elias appeared together with Moses at the Transfiguration of our Lord Jesus Christ, representing the Prophets and bearing witness that Jesus is the promised Messiah. The Orthodox Church celebrates the feast day of the Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias on July 20.
Sacred iconography
The Icon of Prophet Elias
In Orthodox iconography, Prophet Elias is often portrayed as an elderly man with long hair and a beard, wearing a prophet’s mantle.
His serious and attentive expression reflects his life of prayer, his zeal for God and his courageous prophetic ministry.
Some icons depict Prophet Elias seated near a cave while a raven brings him food, recalling how God sustained him in the wilderness. Others portray his ascent into heaven in a fiery chariot as he gives his mantle to the Prophet Elisha. The mantle represents the prophetic calling and spiritual grace passed from teacher to disciple.
The icon is much more than a historical portrait or religious decoration. It draws our attention to the presence of God in the life of His faithful servant and invites us to follow Prophet Elias’s example of prayer, courage, repentance and unwavering devotion to God.
Feast Day
July 20
The Holy and Glorious Prophet Elias