On July 20, the Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU) commemorates one of the greatest Old Testament saints — the Prophet Elijah. This day is marked in the church calendar as a time of special veneration for a man who lived 900 years before the birth of Christ and became a symbol of unshakable faith, miracles, and the struggle against idolatry.
According to church tradition, the prophet's homeland was the land of Gilead, located in the eastern part of Palestine, on the border with Arabia. The city of his birth was called Tishbite, which is why Elijah is often referred to as the Tishbite. His birth was foretold by a sign: he was destined to become a "vessel of God's grace," and his word would be "like fire, strong and effective".
Elijah received his education from priests, but spent most of his life in the desert, where he performed feats of prayer and fasting. His love for God was absolute, and, according to the OCU, "God was pleased with him: by God's mercy he received everything he asked for".
The struggle against paganism and the miracle on Mount Carmel
The path of the Prophet Elijah was not easy. He lived in times when idolaters reigned, and his task was to spread God's truth among peoples who had fallen into error. This was particularly evident during the reign of King Ahab, when Elijah opposed the worship of Baal and predicted a three-year famine.
One of the most famous events of his life was the miracle on Mount Carmel. There, the Israelites gathered together with the idolatrous king, and Elijah showed them the weakness of the priests of Baal. After his prayer, God sent rain to the earth after a long drought — a clear sign of God's power.
Ascension to heaven alive
In biblical tradition, Elijah is one of the two Old Testament saints who did not experience physical death. According to tradition, the Lord took him in the flesh to heaven in a fiery chariot. The prophet Elisha witnessed this event. The fiery chariot and fiery horses became a symbol of God's power, which took Elijah to Himself.
The OCU emphasizes that the Prophet Elijah remains an example for all believers: "Holy Prophet of God Elijah, pray to God for us".
What else is important to know about church traditions
In addition to the veneration of the Prophet Elijah, the OCU regularly publishes materials on church traditions: how to properly venerate icons in churches, what is considered a sin and how not to turn it into a "mortal" one, and whether it is possible to start new affairs on major holidays. These recommendations help believers better understand spiritual life and follow the commandments.
