The Prophet Elijah

Today the Holy Church commemorates Elijah, the Prophet:

The prophet Elijah, whose name means, "My God is Yahweh [the Lord]," prophesied in the northern kingdom of Israel, mostly during the reign of Ahab (874-853 B.C.). Ahab, under the influence of his pagan wife Jezebel, had encouraged the worship of Baal throughout his kingdom, even as Jezebel sought to get rid of the worship of Yahweh. Elijah was called by God to denounce this idolatry and to call the people of Israel back to the worship Yahweh as the only true God (as he did in 1 Kgs 18:20-40). Elijah was a rugged and imposing figure, living in the wilderness and dressing in a garment of camel's hair and a leather belt (2 Kgs 1:8). He was a prophet mighty in word and deed. Many miracles were done through Elijah, including the raising of the dead (1 Kgs 17:17-24), and the effecting of a long drought in Israel (1 Kgs 17:1). At the end of his ministry, he was taken up into heaven as Elisha, his successor, looked on (2 Kgs 2:11). Later on the prophet Malachi proclaimed that Elijah would return before the coming of the Messiah (Mal 4:5-6), a prophecy that was fulfilled in the prophetic ministry of John the Baptist (Mt 11:14). (LSB)

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.
Jesus Christ the same, Yesterday, today, and forever.

O almighty God, who has called us to faith in Thee, and hast compassed us about with so great a cloud of witnesses: Grant that we, encouraged by the good examples of Thy saints, and especially of Thy servant Elijah, may persevere in running the race that is set before us, until at length, through Thy mercy, we may with them attain to Thine eternal joy; through Him who is the author and finisher of our faith, Thy Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord. (Brotherhood Prayer Book - Commemoration of a Holy Man)