Saint Elia the Prophet Orthodox Church
Holy Days

June/July Holy Days

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SAINTS PETER & PAUL

Tuesday – June 29th

The Feast of Saints Peter and Paul came to be observed early in the history of the Church.  Although they died at different times, their commemoration has been universally kept on the same day to highlight the central role they had in the foundation of the Church.  It is for the same reason they are called the “Leaders of the Apostles” in the Liturgy.

St. Peter whose original name was Simon, was a fisherman in Galilee when Jesus called him to be a disciple.  “Come after me and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mt. 4:19).  After Jesus’ Ascension, Peter was the spokesman of the Apostles, and a witness of Christ’s divinity.  He delivered the first sermon on Pentecost and received the first Gentiles into the Church.


From Jerusalem, he went to preach the Gospel in Asia at Antioch (Gal. 2:11), then to Cappadocia, Galatia, Pontus, and finally Rome.


St. Paul, known as Saul before his conversion, was born at Tarsus in the Roman province Cilicia.  As a youth he went to Jerusalem to receive his education in Judaism from the celebrated Rabbi, Gamaliel (Acts 22:3).  At the time of Jesus’ ministry he had already left Jerusalem.  Saul did not see the Lord during His earthly ministry.  By the grace of God, Saul was miraculously converted on the way to Damascus around the year 34 A.D.  After receiving Baptism, Paul left for a long retreat in Arabia to prepare himself for his future mission.  He was most zealous to preach the Gospel of Christ to the world.  He established many churches and visited many other churches.  To these he wrote numerous letters which form a significant part of the New Testament canonical writings.


The Icon of Peter and Paul is simple and direct, striving only to present the holiness and wisdom of the two Apostles whose lives were totally devoted to witnessing the Good News of Jesus Christ and our salvation.  They stand majestically as pillars of the Church and teachers of the Lord Jesus.


The Liturgy hails the chief Apostles with beautifully composed hymns.  Peter is called the “rock of faith” and Paul the “pride of the universe.”  Together they are celebrated as “luminaries of those in darkness, two rays of the sun, pillars of divine doctrines, and friends of Christ.” (Matins Hymn)


Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, Pray unto God for us!

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Saint Elia - July 20th
 

At a most critical period in the history of the Israelite people, God sent inspired leaders to call His people back to the worship of the One True God.  First and greatest among these prophets was Elia (also called Elias or Elijah) the Tishbite who enters Israelite history with a dramatic suddenness (1 Kings 17).  He prized belief in the One God and there was no deviation from his total dedication.  Appropriately, the name Elia means “the Lord is my God.”  The Feast of Elia is celebrated on July 20.

In the Icon depicting the Prophet Elia fed by ravens shows that nature itself is governed by the will of God.  The raven, a bird of prey, is chosen by God to be His instrument, God’s words to Elia were: “You shall drink of the stream, and I have commanded ravens to feed you there.” (1 Kings 17:4)


St. Basil the Great gives an interpretation of this event:  The dwelling place of Elia was Mt. Carmel, a high uninhabited mountain. The wilderness received the hermit; but it was the soul that instituted all for this righteous man, and the provision for his life’s journey was hope in God.  Yet despite this mode of life, he did not die of hunger; on the contrary, the most rapacious birds of prey brought him food.  Those whose custom was to steal the food of others became servants at his table.  At the command of the Lord they changed their nature and became fruitful guardians of bread and meat.”  This event is a prophetic prefiguration of the coming of the Kingdom of God in power.  Elias the Prophet enjoys great popularity and appreciation.


In other Icons, Elias appears as a strict ascetic full of zeal for faith in the true God, yet, afraid of the love God has for him.  He is pictured as a “hairy man” holding an open scroll which reads:  “I have been most zealous for the Lord the God of hosts.” (1 Kings 19:10)


Elia did not die.  He was carried away in a fiery chariot while yet alive.  This introduced the thought that he would return to announce the Messiah.  Thus, he is often mentioned in the New Testament, both in preparation for Christ and also by Christ.  In fact, Christ identifies Elia and John the Baptist (Mt 11:14) and thereby announces the end of the era of waiting.  Through Elia, we see God’s constant faithfulness to his people.  He sends prophets in every age to lead His people in the   knowledge on the One True God.

The Troparion of Saint Elia

The glorious Elia, incarnate messenger of God, pillar of prophets and second forerunner of the coming of Christ, sent grace from on high to Elisha that he might heal sickness and purify the lepers; therefore, he intercedes on behalf of those who honor him.


Holy Prophet Elia, Pray unto God for us!

Saint Elia the Prophet Orthodox Church * 64 W. Wilbeth Rd. * Akron, Ohio * USA * 44301