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 Celebrated 20 July / 2 August At a most critical period in the history of the Israelite people, God sent inspired leaders to call His people back to the worship of the One True God. First and greatest among these prophets was Elijah the Tishbite (also called Elias) who enters Israelite history with dramatic suddenness (I Kings 17). He prized belief in the One God and there was no deviation from his total dedication. Appropriately, the name Elijah means, "The Lord is My God." The feast of Elijah is celebrated on July 20/ August 2. The Icon depicting the Prophet Elijah fed by ravens shows that nature itself is governed by the will of God. The raven, a bird of prey, is chosen by God to be His instrument. God's words to Elijah were: "You shall drink of the stream, and I have commanded ravens to feed you there." (I Kings 17:4) St. Basil the Great gives an interpretation of this event: "The welling place of Elijah was Mount Carmel, a high uninhabited mountain. The wilderness received the hermit; but it was the soul that instituted all for this righteous man, and the provision for his life's journey was hope in God. Yet despite this mode of life, he did not die of hunger; on the contrary, the most rapacious birds of prey brought him food. Those whose custom was to steal food of others became servants at his table. At the command of the Lord they changed their nature and became faithful guardians of bread and meat." This event is a prophetic prefiguration of the coming the Kingdom of God in power. Elijah the Prophet enjoys great popularity and appreciation. In other icons, Elijah appears as a strict ascetic full of zeal for faith in the true God, yet, afraid of the love God has for him. He is pictured as a "hairy man" holding an open scroll which reads:
"I have been most zealous for the Lord the God of Hosts."
(I Kings 19:10)
Elijah did not die! He was carried away in a fiery chariot while yet alive. This introduced the thought that he would return to announce the Messiah. Thus, he is often mentioned in the New Testament, both in preparation for Christ and also by Christ. In Fact, Christ identifies Elijah and John the Baptist (Mt. 11:14) and thereby announces the end of the era of waiting. Through Elijah we see God's constant faithfulness to His people. He sends prophets in every age to lead His people in the knowledge of One True God.
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most praiseworthy
and glorious Prophet of God, Elijah, who didst shine on earth by thine
angel-like way of life, by flaming zeal towards the Lord God Almighty, as well
as by splendid signs and wonders, and then, through the special good will of God
to Thee, wast taken up together with thy flesh to heaven in the chariot of
fire, and wast granted to speak with the transfigured Saviour of the World on
Mt. Tabor, and now, in the habitations of Paradise standest ever before the
throne of the heavenly King! Hear us,
sinful and unprofitable though we be, who now pray before thy holy icon and
earnestly seek refuge in thine intercessions. Pray for us to God Who loveth
mankind, that He might give us the spirit of repentance and contrition for our
sins, and by His Almighty Grace, help us to leave the paths of wickedness, and
to prosper in all good things; that He strengthen us in the battle with our
passions and wants; that He plant in our hears the spirit of humility and
meekness, the spirit of brotherly love and mildness, the spirit of patience and
chastity, the spirit of zeal for the glory of God and the salvation of our
neighbor. Drive out by thy payers, O
Prophet, the evil habits of the world, and moreover the ruinous and corrupt
spirit of this age which contaminates the Christian people with lack of respect
for the divine Orthodox faith and the order of the Holy Church and the Lord’s
Commandments; with disrespect for parents and those in authority, and which
casts people down into the pit of unrighteousness, perversion and ruin. Turn
away from us, most glorious Prophet, by thine intercession, the rightful anger
of God, and deliver all our cities and towns from drought and famine, from
fearsome storms and earthquakes, from deadly contagion and illness, from the
attacks of outsiders and from civil strife. Strengthen by thy prayers the
Orthodox Christians, and ask, O Prophet of God, that the Lord will give our
pastors a holy zeal for God, heartfelt concern for the salvation of the flock,
wisdom in teaching and direction, devotion and strength in temptations; that
judges may not be hypocritical nor corrupt, but show righteousness and sympathy
to those who have suffered; that all in civil authority may show concern to
those under them, mercy and justice; that civil servants may fulfill their
duties rightfully; so that, having lived in peace and devoutness in this world,
we may be found worthy to be communicants of the eternal good things in the
Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, to Whom belongeth honor and
worship, together with His Unoriginate Father, and the Most Holy Spirit, for
ages of ages. Amen.
(From an Akathist – “Polny
Sbornik Molitv,” pp. 204-205)
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