Saint Elijah the Prophet

A life of faith

Elijah came from Tishbe in Gilead and confronted the worship of Baal during the reign of Ahab. The biblical account places him in wilderness solitude, receiving food through ravens and later sharing the hospitality of a widow at Zarephath. After the confrontation on Mount Carmel, fear and exhaustion drove him away from Jezebel’s threats. God sustained him and spoke to him on Horeb in a gentle manifestation. Elisha became his disciple and successor. Orthodox Christians also remember Elijah beside Moses at the Transfiguration, where prophetic ministry points toward Christ rather than toward the prophet’s own importance.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Let prayer include your exhaustion as well as your courage. Seek quiet, accept needed help, and take the next faithful step without pretending to be fearless.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.