In his homily delivered Friday, July 20, at the stavropegical monastery of Techirghiol, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel pointed to 4 virtues of the Holy, Glorious Prophet Elijah the Tishbite.
Phophet Elijah was a man of prayer, fast and self-control
‘The Holy Prophet Elijah, like St John the Baptist, did not establish a family. They lived in prayer, in solitude for a long time, in the wilderness, in fasting, struggle and self-control, and that is why they both are prototypes of the monastic life,’ the Patriarch said.
Prophet Elijah was a defender of true faith against idolatric fallacies
‘God sent Prophet Elijah to King Ahab to reprove him and tell him that if he does not return to the true, ancient Jewish faith, the entire country would be punished, and that it would not rain for 3 years and 6 months.’
Prophet Elijah was a merciful defender of the poor
When Prophet Elijah remained at the widow’s house at Zarephath in the region of Sidon, the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry.
‘The quantity that was used was refilled, because the miracle was done not to impress, but to secure the life of the prophet, the widow, and the child who received St Elijah in their home.’
Prophet Elijah was a punisher of wrongdoers
St Elijah rebuked King Ahab for killing Naboth, the owner of a vineyard, and taking possession of the vineyard. He prophesised that in the place where dogs licked up Naboth’s blood, dogs will lick up the King’s blood. Indeed, God punished King Ahab and Jezebel, who ended tragically.
That is why St Elijah is also the judge of the righteous.
The patriarch said that ‘St Elijah the Prophet is venerated in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.’
Saint Elijah is a very popular prophet
‘He did not write any book, but he did wondrous works by the help of God, making him a symbol of all prophets through his miraculous deeds, through his zeal for defending true faith,’ Patriarch Daniel said July 20.
His Beatitude pointed out that ‘Saint Elijah is a very popular prophet because prayers are offered to him in times of drought or when there are too many rains’.
‘We entreat the Holy Prophet Elijah the Tishbite to help us, to strengthen us, to protect us from wandering astray, to teach us how to help the poor, and to live in prayer and fast,’ His Beatitude said ending his sermon.
The Romanian Patriarch congratulated all those who bear the name of St Elijah celebrating their name day.
‘We wish to congratulate all those who bear the name of Saint Elijah, wishing them good health, much help from God, and much joy for many and blessed years!’
Photos: Basilica.ro
