Saint Elijah's Day: the true story and miracles of the saint
Elijah's Day is celebrated on Saturday, August 2. It is a celebration of the memory of the holy Prophet Elijah, the first biblical saint to be revered in Russia. He is also revered in Judaism and Islam. Modern Orthodox Christians in Russia associate St. Elijah's Day with representatives of the military craft. It is believed that St. Elijah helps the military. On this day, you should not swear with your loved ones and drink a lot of alcohol, instead it is better to pray. About who Elijah is, what miracles he performed, where to find information about him in the Bible and where the most famous temples in his honor are located — in the material of Izvestia.
The Life of Saint Elijah: who was he, what is he known for
The Prophet Elijah, who lived in the 9th century BC, is one of the key figures of the Old Testament. He was born in the village of Teshvia in Gilead (now northwest Jordan).
The prophet's name, meaning "God is my Lord," became a reflection of his mission.: to affirm faith in one God in an era when the people of Israel were inclined to paganism. Thus, Elijah is known for his uncompromising struggle against idolatry, especially the cult of Baal, which was patronized by Queen Jezebel.
"Then the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, 'Arise, go to meet the messengers from the king of Samaria and say to them, 'Is there no God in Israel, why are you going to inquire of Beelzebub, the god of Ekron?'" the Old Testament says.
Elijah also became famous as a miracle worker. His life was full of divine signs: he predicted a drought, caused rain in the heat, brought down fire from heaven, raised the dead and even ascended to heaven. These events made him a symbol of divine power and justice. The image of Elijah has become the archetype of a prophet who speaks the truth despite threats.
In the folk, still pagan, tradition, Elijah is associated with thunder and lightning, since, according to legend, he controls the heavenly elements. On his memorial day, August 2, in some regions of Russia, the custom still persists not to swim in reservoirs, believing that "Elijah will muddy the water."
Paratroopers during the procession with the icon of the Prophet of God Elijah
Modern Orthodox Christians in Russia associate St. Elijah's Day with representatives of the military craft. It is believed that St. Elijah helps the military. The Airborne Troops (Airborne Forces), who also celebrate their professional holiday on August 2, consider him their "own".
The Miracles of the Prophet Elijah
Elijah's miracles are not only manifestations of divine power, but also evidence of his special connection with God. The most famous of them are described in the Bible.
One of the miracles is the drought caused by Elijah as punishment for the apostasy of the people from the faith. He prayed that the rain would stop and heaven would "lock up" for three years. After that, in a confrontation with the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel, Elijah called fire from heaven, proving the superiority of the God of Israel over the pagan god, and then prayer brought back the rain.
Another miracle is the resurrection. In the city of Sarepta, Elijah revived the son of a widow, with whom he lived during a drought.
"And he said to her, 'Give me your son.' And he took him from her arms, and carried him into the upper room where he dwelt, and laid him on his bed, and called upon the Lord, and said: "Oh my God! Will You do evil to the widow with whom I am staying by killing her son?" And prostrating himself over the boy three times, he called out to the Lord and said: "Oh my God! May the soul of this boy return to him!" And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah, and the soul of this boy returned to him, and he revived," the Bible says.
During the drought, crows brought Elijah bread and meat, and an angel brought tortillas and water.
But the most famous miracle is the ascension of Elijah alive on a chariot of fire. "The Lord himself was willing to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind." This event made the prophet, along with Enoch, one of the two Old Testament saints who did not die, but were taken alive by God. This miracle strengthened faith in his special mission and connection with the Lord.
Why Elijah is called a prophet: what he predicted
Elijah received the title of prophet due to his gift of foresight and ability to convey the will of God. His prophecies concerned both the immediate events and the distant future of Israel.
Elijah predicted a drought as punishment for worshipping Baal. His words were fulfilled, which confirmed the prophetic gift.
In addition, he predicted the death of King Ahab and his wife Jezebel for their sins. These prophecies came true: Ahab died in battle, and Jezebel was thrown from the tower.
In the Jewish tradition, Elijah is considered the forerunner of the Messiah. According to the book of Malachi, Elijah will return before the "Lord's day" to reconcile people with God. In Christianity, this prophecy is associated with John the Baptist, called Jesus "Elijah, who must come."
Elijah's predictions reinforced faith in God's justice and future salvation.
How and where to read about Saint Elijah in the Bible
The Prophet Elijah is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments.
The life and deeds of Elijah are described in detail in the first part of the Bible — the Old Testament, in the Third and Fourth Books of Kings.
In the Third Book of Kings, the life of Elijah is given in chapters 17-19. They tell about the miracles and prophecies of Elijah, for example, the prediction of a drought, the confrontation with the priests of Baal on Mount Carmel and the "return" of the rain.
"Elijah from the city of Tishbe in Gilead said to Ahab, 'As surely as the Lord, the God of Israel, whom I serve, lives, there will be no dew or rain here for several years. It will rain only if I command it," says the 17th chapter of the Third Book of Kings.
In the Fourth Book of Kings, Elijah is mentioned in chapters 1-3, which describe the ascension of the prophet in a chariot of fire and the transfer of his mission to the prophet Elisha.
"While the Lord was about to take Elijah up to heaven in a whirlwind, Elijah and Elisha were coming from Gilgal. And Elijah said to Elisha, "Stay here, for the Lord has sent me to Bethel." But Elisha said, "As the Lord lives, and as your soul lives! I will not leave you," says the second chapter.
In the New Testament, Elijah is mentioned in the context of Messianic expectations. For example, in the Gospel of Matthew, Elijah appears with Moses during the Transfiguration of the Lord, which emphasizes his role as the forerunner of the Messiah. In the Gospel of Luke, John the Baptist is compared to Elijah in spirit and power.
The spiritual meaning of the holiday is the Day of the Prophet Elijah on August 2
The Day of the Prophet Elijah, celebrated on August 2, is not only a memory of his life, but also an occasion to reflect on spiritual values. This holiday reminds us of the need for faith, perseverance and struggle against sin. Elijah was an example of a man who, despite persecution, remained faithful to God. His life teaches him to trust God's providence even in the most difficult times.
In Orthodoxy, the holiday highlights the connection between the Old and New Testaments: Elijah, as the forerunner of the Messiah, points to the coming salvation. On this day, believers pray for protection from the elements, strengthening faith, giving courage, health, and family well-being. Traditionally, liturgies are celebrated in churches, excerpts from the Book of Kings are read, and processions are held in some regions.
Airborne troops soldiers carry the icon of the Prophet of God Elijah on Red Square in Moscow
In folk tradition, August 2 is considered the day when nature obeys the will of the prophet. There is a belief that you can not swim on this day, as Ilya "throws a cold stone into the water," making it dangerous. This custom reflects the prophet's connection with the heavenly elements and his image as a "thunderer."
The Prophet Elijah on icons
Images of the Prophet Elijah are widely distributed, as well as St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, the Great Martyrs George the Victorious and Demetrius of Thessalonica. Today, icons with Elijah are in many homes and churches.
Elijah is depicted in accordance with the canons of Orthodox iconography. He looks like an old man with a long beard, wearing a sheepskin cape, which emphasizes his asceticism. Elijah often holds a scroll in his hands, a symbol of prophetic ministry.
Popular images include Elijah in the desert, the miracle on Mount Carmel, where the prophet causes fire, and his ascension in a fiery chariot. These stories emphasize the divine power and connection with heaven.
Icons of Elijah are considered protective. In Russian churches, icons of the Prophet Elijah are often placed in side chapels or in prominent places.
The most famous temples in honor of St. Elijah
The Prophet Elijah is revered in many countries. Temples have been erected in his honor in Russia and around the world.
The Temple of the Prophet of God Elijah in the village of Bogandinskoye
In Moscow, for example, the Temple of the Prophet of God Elijah in Cherkizovo is famous. Its history dates back to the 14th century. The temple is considered one of the oldest in the city. In the capital, they also know the church of Elijah the Prophet on Ilyinka, or on the former Novgorod farmstead. In the 16th century, it was this temple that gave its name to Ilyinka Street in Moscow. Today, the church is the central temple of the Russian Airborne Troops. In the 16th century, the Temple of the Prophet of God Elijah was built in Obydenskiy Lane. Alexander Solzhenitsyn and Natalia Svetlova got married here in the 1970s. The couple baptized their children in the same church.
One of the famous temples in honor of Elijah in St. Petersburg is the Temple of the Holy Prophet Elijah on Porokhovy. The first service in the church was held in 1988.
The Temple of the Prophet of God Elijah in Yaroslavl is part of the UNESCO monument ensemble. It was built in the 17th century. The temple is famous for its frescoes, the tiles change the color of the walls depending on the lighting.
A temple was built in Israel in honor of Elijah. The monastery of Elijah the Prophet is located on the way from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, not far from Rachel's tomb. The monastery was first mentioned in 1160.
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