Saint · 1st C
Zechariah and Righteous Elizabeth, parents of St John the Baptist
Holy Prophet Zechariah and Righteous Elizabeth, parents of St John the Baptist (1st C)
New Calendar September 5 Old Calendar September 18
Why they are a saint
Holy Prophet Zechariah and Righteous Elizabeth, parents of St John the Baptist (1st C) are commemorated by the Orthodox Church on September 5. Venerated as prophets of God; little else about their lives has come down to us.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Zechariah and Righteous Elizabeth as a patron when they bear the name Prophet at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on September 5. As a prophet, he is also honored by those who seek to hear and keep God's word.
Prayer
O holy Zechariah and Righteous Elizabeth, parents of St John the Baptist, 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.