Prophet
Glorious Prophet Elijah
Holy, Glorious Prophet Elijah
New Calendar July 20 Old Calendar August 2
Why they are a saint
Read his marvellous story in the Holy Scriptures, 1 and 2 Kings. At his birth, his father Sabah saw angels of God surrounding the Prophet, clothing him in fire and feeding him flames. At the end of his years on earth, he was carried bodily to heaven by a flaming chariot; with Enoch (Gen. 5:24) he is one of the two ever to be taken bodily to heaven without first dying and being raised.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Glorious Prophet Elijah as a patron when they bear the name Holy at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 20. As a prophet, he is also honored by those who seek to hear and keep God's word.
Prayer
O holy Glorious Prophet Elijah, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.