Saint Elijah the Prophet
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| Saint Elijah the Prophet | |
| Feast Day | July 20 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Carmelite Order; against drought; Bosnia and Herzegovina |
| Birthplace | Tishbe, Gilead (tradition) |
| Death Place | Taken to heaven in a fiery chariot (tradition) |
| Cause of Death | taken to heaven alive |
| Primary Shrine | Mount Carmel (Stella Maris Monastery), Haifa, Israel |
Saint Elijah the Prophet (Hebrew: אֵלִיָּהוּ; Greek: Ἠλίας; Latin: Elías), also Elias, was a 9th-century BC prophet in the Kingdom of Israel, venerated as one of the greatest Old Testament saints in Christian tradition.[1] According to the Books of Kings (1 Kings 17–19; 2 Kings 1–2), Elijah defended the worship of Yahweh against the cult of Baal under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel, performing miracles including raising the dead, bringing fire from heaven on Mount Carmel, and being taken to heaven in a whirlwind with a fiery chariot.[2] He is considered the spiritual founder of the Carmelite Order, which traces its origins to hermits living on Mount Carmel in his memory from the 12th century.
Recognized as a saint from the earliest centuries without formal canonization, Elijah appears in the Roman Martyrology on 20 July and is honored in all Eastern and Western rites. He is invoked as patron against drought and is a central figure in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions (as Ilyas in Islam). The Carmelites celebrate him as their “Father and Leader.” While the biblical accounts are accepted as inspired Scripture, extra-biblical traditions—such as his appearance with Moses at the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3) and identification with the precursor of the Messiah (Malachi 4:5)—are interpreted prophetically in Christian theology.[3]
Biography
Birth
No historical records exist concerning the birth of Saint Elijah. Tradition places his origin in Tishbe in Gilead (1 Kings 17:1).
Early Life
Elijah appears suddenly in Scripture during the reign of Ahab (c. 869–850 BC), with no details of his early life.
Occupation
Elijah’s occupation was that of a prophet of Yahweh in the northern Kingdom of Israel.
Vocation
Elijah’s prophetic vocation involved confronting idolatry, announcing drought, performing miracles, and preparing Israel for the Day of the Lord.
Death
According to 2 Kings 2:11, Elijah did not die but was taken to heaven alive in a whirlwind with a fiery chariot and horses of fire.[4]
Saint Elijah was taken to heaven alive.
Significant events
- Announced drought to King Ahab (1 Kings 17).
- Miracle of the widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17).
- Contest with prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18).
- Taken to heaven in a fiery chariot (2 Kings 2).
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: None
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Shrines
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Canonization
As an Old Testament prophet, Saint Elijah has been venerated from the earliest centuries without formal canonization processes.
Miracles
Biblical miracles include:
- Multiplication of oil and flour.
- Resurrection of the widow’s son.
- Fire from heaven on Mount Carmel.
Patronage
Saint Elijah is patron of the Carmelite Order and against drought.
Feast day
July 20
Veneration
Saint Elijah is venerated on 20 July, especially by Carmelites on Mount Carmel. Relics traditionally preserved at Stella Maris Monastery.
External links
References
- ↑ "St. Elias". New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05381b.htm.
- ↑ "Saint Elias the Prophet". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_20000616_st-elias_en.html.
- ↑ "St. Elias". Catholic Online. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=1260.
- ↑ "Saint Elias the Prophet". Holy See. https://www.vatican.va/content/vatican/en/roman_curia/congregations/csaints/documents/rc_con_csaints_doc_20000616_st-elias_en.html.