Saint Zachary
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| Saint Zachary | |
| Feast Day | November 05 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Fathers; tailors; the elderly |
| Birthplace | Judea, Roman Empire (likely Ein Karem, now Israel) |
| Death Place | Judea, Roman Empire (now Israel) |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
| Primary Shrine | Church of Saint John the Baptist, Ein Karem, Israel |
Saint Zachary (Hebrew: Zekharya; 1st century BC), also known as Zechariah the Priest, was a Jewish priest of the division of Abijah and the husband of Saint Elizabeth, father of John the Baptist, whose story of miraculous conception and annunciation is detailed in the Gospel of Luke.[1] According to Scripture, Zachary, serving in the Jerusalem Temple, was visited by the angel Gabriel who announced Elizabeth's pregnancy and John's birth, striking him mute for disbelief until the circumcision (Luke 1:5–25). He later prophesied the child's role in the Benedictus (Luke 1:67–79), recognizing him as the forerunner of the Messiah.[2] An unverified tradition holds he was murdered in the Temple by Herod the Great for refusing to reveal John's location, but this originates from apocryphal sources and cannot be confirmed biblically.
Venerated as a saint in Catholic, Orthodox, and Anglican traditions, Zachary's feast day is November 5 alongside Elizabeth in the Roman Rite.[3] While the Gospel provides the primary historical framework, hagiographic accounts elaborate on his priesthood and martyrdom, which lack corroboration from contemporary records. Evidence from early Church Fathers like Origen affirms his Levitical role, positioning him as a model of faithful doubt resolved in Catholic exegesis.
Biography
Birth
Saint Zachary was born in the 1st century BC in Judea, Roman Empire, as a priest from the division of Abijah and descendant of Aaron, though exact date and place remain unknown.[4] Hagiographic tradition suggests a pious upbringing in a priestly family, but this cannot be verified beyond Luke 1:5. Probabilistic inferences from Herodian priesthood indicate temple service training from youth.
No baptismal records exist; early life details are unavailable.
Early Life
Zachary married Elizabeth, also of Aaron's line, living righteously in a Judean hill town (Luke 1:6–7), possibly Ein Karem.[5] Childless into old age, he served temple rotations. Evidence from Luke confirms his priestly duty.
His early life centered on ritual observance.
Occupation
Zachary's occupation was priesthood, offering incense in the Temple during Abijah's turn (Luke 1:8–9).[6] Historical context from Josephus verifies Aaronic divisions.
This role led to the annunciation.
Vocation
Zachary's vocation as John's father unfolded with Gabriel's temple vision, announcing the birth and muting him until circumcision (Luke 1:13–20, 59–64).[7] He prophesied in the Benedictus (Luke 1:68–79). Hagiographic tradition of Herod's murder cannot be confirmed.
His calling prepared the Baptist's mission.
Death
Saint Zachary's death circumstances are unknown, presumed natural causes in Judea.[8] Unverified tradition claims Temple murder by Herod.
Significant events
- Married Elizabeth of Aaron's line (1st century BC).[9]
- Served incense in Temple; annunciation by Gabriel (Luke 1:8–20).[9]
- Mute until John's circumcision; prophesied Benedictus (Luke 1:59–79).[10]
- Witnessed John's desert ministry (probable).[11]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Judea, Roman Empire (likely Ein Karem, now Israel)
Death location: Judea, Roman Empire (now Israel)
Notable location: Church of the Visitation (associated with family life) (Ein Karem, Jerusalem 9103400, Israel)
Notable location: Church of Saint John the Baptist (birthplace tradition) (Ein Karem, Jerusalem 9103400, Israel)
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Parishes
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Media
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Shrines
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List of shrines
Church of the Visitation
- Basilica on Visitation site associated with Zachary's family, designated under Canon 1230 by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem for prophetic devotions and family pilgrimages, offering sacraments and annual May 31 feasts.
- Pilgrimage details: Ein Karem, Jerusalem 9103400, Israel; 1955 on 12th-century site; features Zachary-Elizabeth icons, plenary indulgences; Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
- Facts: "Overlooks Judean hills of their home; ties to Benedictus."
Church of Saint John the Baptist
- Franciscan church over John's birth site, qualifying under Canon 1230 for forerunner family veneration, with cave chapel and June 24 liturgies.
- Pilgrimage details: Ein Karem, Jerusalem 9103400, Israel; 17th century; feasts; Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem.
- Facts: "Zachary's circumcision miracle tradition; spring waters."
St. Zachary Church, Cleveland
- U.S. parish dedicated to him, serving as a diocesan shrine under Canon 1230 by the Diocese of Cleveland for fatherhood novenas and family Masses.
- Pilgrimage details: 3232 Saywell Ave, Cleveland, OH 44109, United States; 20th century; November 5 services; Diocese of Cleveland.
- Facts: "Hosts paternitas blessings; immigrant devotion."
Canonization
Servant of God
As a biblical figure, no formal Servant of God stage applies; veneration began in the apostolic era.
Venerable
Not applicable.
Beatification
No beatification; recognized in early martyrologies.
Canonization
Canonized through ancient recognition by the universal Church, with inclusion in the Roman Martyrology by the 4th century.
Miracles
As a biblical saint, no authenticated miracles were required; his muteness and conception are prodigies (Luke 1:20, 7).[12] Traditions attribute paternitas graces.
Miracle for beatification
Not applicable.
Miracle for canonization
Not applicable.
Other notable miracles
Patronage
Saint Zachary is the patron saint of fathers, tailors, and the elderly.
Feast day
November 05
Veneration
Saint Zachary is venerated through paternitas novenas and family pilgrimages to Ein Karem. Relics are unavailable. Saint Zachary has been depicted in numerous artworks, including Visitation scenes. Literature and media often portray Saint Zachary in Gospel lives. Relics and shrines dedicated to Saint Zachary are significant pilgrimage sites, influencing cultural or religious events such as Ein Karem feasts.
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
No writings attributed to Saint Zachary.
External links
References
- ↑ "St. Zachary". https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=251.
- ↑ "Zechariah, father of John the Baptist". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah%2C_father_of_John_the_Baptist.
- ↑ "Saint Zachary: Father of John the Baptist and Patron Saint of Fathers, Tailors and the Elderly". https://www.catholic365.com/article/28781/saint-zachary-father-of-john-the-baptist-and-patron-saint-of-fathers-tailors-and-the-elderly.html.
- ↑ "St. Zachary". https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=251.
- ↑ "Zechariah, father of John the Baptist". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah%2C_father_of_John_the_Baptist.
- ↑ "Saint Zachary, Father of John the Baptist". https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/saint-zachary-father-of-john-the-baptist-5950.
- ↑ "St. Zachary and St. Elizabeth, parents of St. John the Baptist". https://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2015/11/st-elizabeth-and-st-zachary-parents-of.html.
- ↑ "St. Zachary". https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=251.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "St. Zachary". https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=251.
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 "Zechariah, father of John the Baptist". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zechariah%2C_father_of_John_the_Baptist.
- ↑ "Saint Zachary, Father of John the Baptist". https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/library/saint-zachary-father-of-john-the-baptist-5950.
- ↑ Cite error: Invalid
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