Orthodox Icon of St. Elias the Prophet

St. Elias the Prophet Please do not deep-link to any of our icons.

July 20th
Troparion (Tone 4)
O angelic of body, pillar of the prophets, and their cornerstone, the forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ, the venerable and glorious Elias, you sent grace from on high to Elisha to dispel sicknesses and purify lepers. Wherefore, he overflows with healing to those who honor him.

Elias was a hero of faithfulness to God in Israel and a courageous prophet. He was an ascetic, clad in skins and a leather girdle, dwelling in mountain caves. He appeared abruptly when King Achad executed many priests of God, and announced to him God's vengeance. On Mt. Carmel, he overcame the priests of Baal by calling down fire from Heaven. He was persecuted by Jezebel and fled to Mt. Horeb where God consoled him, fed him with bread brought by ravens, as in this 17th century Cretan icon, and told him to appoint Elisha as his successor. St. Elias was carried into heaven in a fiery chariot, while his mantle fell on Elisha. He appeared along with Moses at Jesus' Transfiguration.

This icon is in the Byzantine Museum in Athens, Greece. It is also available as a laminated Prayer Card, as part of our Children's Series.

Order # pdg-02