Apostolic · 9th century BC
Holy Prophet Elijah
Fiery prophet taken up in a whirlwind
Elijah the Tishbite bursts into the book of Kings without introduction, announcing to king Ahab a drought that only his word would end. Fed by ravens at the brook Cherith, multiplying the widow of Zarephath's meal and oil and raising her son, he summoned Israel to Mount Carmel and stood alone against the prophets of Baal — 'how long will you go limping between two opinions?' — until fire fell from heaven on his water-drenched sacrifice. Fleeing Jezebel, he met God at Horeb not in wind, earthquake, or fire but in a still small voice, and at the Jordan he was taken up in a whirlwind with chariot and horses of fire, leaving his mantle to Elisha. Scripture expects his return before the great day of the Lord, and he appeared with Moses at Christ's Transfiguration. No Old Testament figure is more fervently celebrated in Orthodoxy.
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