The meaning of the prophet Elijah in Orthodoxy
The Prophet Elijah lived in the world in the 2nd century BC. He zealously and ardently defended monotheism, bringing true religion to the masses mired in paganism. Ilya was selflessly devoted to the Lord, spending days and nights in fasting and prayer. His spiritual development reached its highest level. The righteous man could control the natural elements, especially fire, healed the sick and raised the fallen.
The miraculous deeds of God's anointed brought many people to Christianity. During the saint's earthly life, Israel was ruled by the ardent pagan Ahab. The worship of idols was actively cultivated by the king and queen, the ruling strata of society and the priests. Then Ilya decided to bring some sense into the dark society through punishment. There was a drought in the Israeli lands for 3 years.
In the third year of sweltering heat and hunger, the prophet came to the pagan king and proposed organizing a competition that would determine the true religion. It was necessary to call fire on the altar. All the efforts of the priests were in vain. Elijah called on Heavenly fire and lit the altar. Thanks to the miracle performed, many pagans believed in One God and converted to Christianity.
The Prophet earned the recognition of believers, but was persecuted by the rulers. At a moment of despair, the Lord appeared to Elijah, comforted the righteous man and showed him Elisha’s successor. According to holy scripture, God took Elijah to heaven alive. The saint ascended to the Kingdom of Heaven on a chariot of fire.
For many centuries, Christians have raised their prayers to the prophet Elijah in the hope of finding health, prosperity, guidance and protection of the saint.
Brief Life
Holocaust Remembrance Day July 20/August 2
One of the most revered prophets both in Old Testament Israel and in the Christian era. He was jealous of the purity of faith in the One God, he fought against idolatry among the Jewish people. Thanks to his prayers, Israel was left without rain for the first time to repent, and after three years of starvation, after the Jews repented of their deviation from the true faith, the sky again produced clouds and rain on the crops. In Russia he is revered as the heavenly helper of farmers. For his righteous life he did not suffer death, but he was right. Enoch was carried by the Lord to heaven in his body. According to prophecies, together with Enoch, the prophet Elijah must return to earth and condemn the Antichrist. San prop. Elijah prays for the protection of Christians of the last times from the deception of the Antichrist, for intercession in persecution, in times of hunger and disease, poverty and other everyday difficulties.
What do they ask and pray to the saint for?
Saint Elijah helped righteous people during his life in the world, continuing his good mission even after his ascension to Heaven.
Believers turn to the prophet for help in the following situations:
- for physical and mental illnesses;
- problems in the workplace;
- failures in building personal happiness;
- family discord;
- negative and witchcraft influences.
Traditionally, they pray to Elijah the Prophet for a good harvest when cultivating land, farming and personal farming. The saint patronizes people who believe in God, honest and righteous workers.
How to pray to the Holy Prophet correctly
You can contact Elijah the Prophet within the walls of an Orthodox church or chapel, as well as at home. To pray fruitfully in church, you need to attend a service and light candles in front of the saint’s face. It is especially important to attend the festive service on Elijah’s day - August 2, when the Prophet is honored in all churches and monasteries.
For prayer at home, it is advisable to purchase an icon depicting a saint, in front of which prayers are traditionally read. If there is no icon, they pray at the window, looking up to the sky.
Home prayer should take place in a calm environment. To do this, you need to choose a secluded place in the house and a time when household members will not disturb the person praying. You need to read the text measuredly, slowly, pronouncing every word. It is important to be aware of the deep meaning of the words spoken and not to be distracted by idle thoughts.
To focus on prayer and drive away extraneous thoughts, it is recommended to light a church candle or lamp while reading. The flame illuminating the holy face has a pacifying and calming effect.
The main condition when reading prayers to the prophet Elijah is true faith in the Lord God, His wisdom, omnipresence, mercy and complete trust in His good will. The person praying must lead a godly lifestyle and not violate the commandments of Christ. The sincere requests of righteous Christians will be heard in Heaven.
Blessed Procopius, Holy Fool for Christ's sake, Ustyug Wonderworker
Troparion to Procopius of Ustuzh, tone 4
Having been enlightened by divine grace, God-wise, and unswervingly devoting all your mind and heart from this vain world to the Creator through chastity and much patience, you passed away well in your temporal life and kept your faith immaculate. Likewise, even after death, the lightness of your life appeared: for you flow with miracles, an inexhaustible source of faith flowing to your holy tomb, O all-blessed Procopius, pray to Christ God that he may save our souls.
Kontakion to Procopius of Ustyug, tone 4
For Christ's sake, through the foolishness of the aerial ordeal in the arms of angels, having come untouched, you have reached the Royal Throne and the King of all, Christ God, the gift of receiving the grace of healing, for with many of your miracles and a terrible sign you surprised your city of Veliky Ustyug: having asked your people for mercy, the ointment from the honorable image of the Most Holy Theotokos You brought relief through prayer and gave healing to the sick. We pray the same to you, miracle-bearing Procopius: pray to Christ God to continually grant forgiveness of our sins.
Prayer to Procopius of Ustyug
Oh, great saint of God and miracle worker, holy blessed Procopius! We pray to you and ask you: pray for us to the all-merciful God and our Savior Jesus Christ, that He may show His mercy to us unworthy and grant us everything we need for life and piety: advancement of faith and love, increase of piety, strengthening of peace, fruitfulness of the earth, blessing of the air and good haste in all good things. Through your intercession, keep all the cities and towns of Russia unharmed from all evil. To all Orthodox Christians who prayerfully call upon you, grant to each according to their needs: healing to the sick, consolation to the grieving, help to the needy, encouragement to the discouraged, provision to the poor, charity to the orphaned. Ask us all for the spirit of repentance and fear of God, so that having ended this temporary life in a pious manner, we may be worthy to receive a good Christian death and inherit the kingdom of heaven with God’s chosen ones. Hey, righteous one of God! Do not disgrace our hope, which we humbly place on you, but be our helper and intercessor in life, in death and after our death; Yes, having improved our salvation through your intercession, together with you we will glorify the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and your strong intercession for us, forever and ever. Amen.
Texts of strong Orthodox prayers to Elijah the Prophet
You can pray for the assistance of God’s chosen one in your own words, but reading Orthodox prayers will send requests directly to the saint. Elijah the Prophet will hear everyone who turns to him with faith, virtue and pious intentions.
About help for all occasions
You can turn to God's chosen one in all difficult life situations. Hoping for help in various everyday problems, the saint is addressed with the following words:
“O holy prophet of God Elijah, pray for us, the Lover of God, that He may give us, the servants of God (names), a spirit of repentance and contrition for our sins, and by His omnipotent grace help us to abandon the paths of wickedness, and to succeed in every deed of grace, and may He strengthen us in the fight against our passions and lusts; May the spirit of humility and meekness, the spirit of brotherly love and kindness, the spirit of patience and chastity, the spirit of zeal for the glory of God and good care for the salvation of ourselves and our neighbors, implant into our hearts. Turn away from us the righteous wrath of God by your intercession, so that having lived in peace and piety in this world, we will be worthy of the communion of eternal blessings in the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom honor and worship are due, with His Beginning Father and the Most Holy Spirit, forever and ever. . Amen".
About health
Prayers to Elijah the Prophet are capable of healing the seriously ill and bringing comfort to the suffering. They ask the saint for deliverance from illnesses by reading the following prayer:
“O most praiseworthy and wonderful prophet of God, Elijah, who shone upon the earth with your life equal to the angels, with your most ardent zeal for the Lord God Almighty, and also with glorious signs and wonders, also, by the extreme favor of God towards you, prenaturally caught up on a chariot of fire with your flesh to Heaven, vouchsafed to converse with the Savior of the world who was transfigured on Tabor, and now dwell in the heavenly villages and stand before the Throne of the Heavenly King!
Hear us, sinners and indecent ones, who at this hour stand before your holy icon and diligently resort to your intercession. Pray for us, the Lover of Mankind, God, may He give us a spirit of repentance and contrition for our sins and, by His omnipotent grace, may He help us to leave the paths of wickedness, may we excel in every endeavor, may He strengthen us in the fight against our passions and lusts; May the spirit of humility and meekness, the spirit of brotherly love and kindness, the spirit of patience and chastity, the spirit of zeal for the Glory of God and the salvation of our neighbors, implant into our hearts.
Abolish with your prayers, prophet, the evil customs of the world, especially the destructive and pernicious spirit of this age, infecting the Christian race with disrespect for the Divine Orthodox Faith, for the charter of the Holy Church and for the commandments of the Lord, disrespect for parents and those in power and casting people into the abyss of wickedness, corruption and destruction.
Turn away from us, most wonderfully prophesied, by your intercession the righteous wrath of God and deliver all cities and villages from rainlessness and famine, from terrible storms and earthquakes, from deadly plagues and diseases, from the invasion of enemies and internecine warfare. Ask, prophet of God, from the Lord for our shepherds holy zeal for God, heartfelt concern for the salvation of the flock, wisdom in teaching and management, piety and strength in temptation, ask the judges for impartiality and selflessness, righteousness and compassion for the offended, for all those in authority to care for their subordinates, mercy and justice, while for subordinates submission and obedience to authority and diligent fulfillment of their duties; Yes, having lived in peace and piety in this world, we will be worthy to partake of eternal blessings in the Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to whom honor and worship are due, together with His beginningless Father and the Most Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen".
About help at work
Elijah the Prophet will help hardworking and diligent people who firmly believe in Divine power and Providence.
To find the help of a saint in work matters, read the following prayer:
“You were a fair and brave avenger in the murder of the priests of Baal: because you wanted to see the glory of God not begging, but multiplying forever, and you were not afraid of their multifarious fury, because you slaughtered the priests of Jezebel on Potots Kissov with a knife, but follow like a whirlwind Having been taken on a chariot of fire, you ascended to the heights of heaven with glory.
For this reason, we, unworthy and sinners, humbly pray to you, honest prophet of God: grant us worthily to glorify and sing of your most honorable intercession, so that having found you as a great intercessor, we may be worthy of rich mercy from the Lord.
In the same way, now, gloriously pleasing thee, we pray: protect our power with peace, and deliver us from every slander of the enemy, from hunger, and cowardice, and the fire of lightning, and do not forget, sinners, your blessed memory, celebrating and constantly glorifying the glorified you Lord forever and ever. Amen".
From damage
The patronage of the saint protects those praying from any negative influence. To protect yourself from damage and the evil eye, say the following words:
“Oh, holy prophet of God Elijah. Pray for me, servant of God (name), before the Lord God, that He may forgive the sins I have committed and deliver me from torment on earth and at the Last Judgment. I offer a prayer to you and ask for help in every matter and in the fight against sinful temptations. Help me find peace and protect me from evil and ill-wishers. I worship you and the Heavenly King, I hope for your help. Amen".
From hunger
The saint controls the elements and can send drought and rain. Since ancient times, the well-being of the people depended on natural phenomena, and natural disasters became the cause of hunger and suffering. In order not to experience hunger and need, believers turn to the prophet Elijah with the following words:
“O great and glorious prophet of God Elijah, for the sake of your zeal for the glory of the Lord God Almighty, you did not tolerate the idolatry and wickedness of the children of Israel, you denounced the lawless king Ahab and, as a punishment for them, a three-year famine on the land of Israel, through your prayer you asked from the Lord, yes, rejecting vile idols and having retreated from untruths and iniquities, they will turn to the One True God and the fulfillment of His holy commandments, wonderfully nurturing the widow of Sarepta during the famine and resurrecting her son after she died through your prayer, and after the passage of the appointed time of famine, the people of Israel were gathered to Mount Carmel for apostasy and wickedness, reproaching , the same prayer for your sacrifice, asking for fire from heaven and miraculously turning Israel to the Lord, disgracing and killing the cold prophets of Baal, and then again resolving the sky with prayer and asking for abundant rain on the earth and making the people of Israel rejoice! To you, wonderful servant of God, we zealously resort to you, sinners and humility, languishing in the rainlessness and heat: we confess that we are unworthy of God’s mercy and blessings, and that we are more worthy than the cruel punishments of His wrath, sorrow and need and all kinds of evils and diseases.
We did not walk in the passion of God and in the ways of His commandments, but in the lusts of our corrupted hearts we created countless types of sin; Our iniquity has surpassed our head, and we are not worthy to appear before the face of God and look into heaven. We confess that we, like ancient Israel, have apostatized from the Lord our God, if not by faith, then by our iniquities, and if we do not worship Baal and other vile idols, then we are servile to our passions and lusts, serving the idol of gluttony and lust, the idol of greed and ambition, the idol of pride and vanity, and follow the ungodly foreign customs and the destructive spirit of the times.
We confess that for this reason heaven was closed and created like copper, as if our heart was closed with mercy and true love for our neighbor; For this reason, the earth has hardened and become barren, because we do not bring to our Lord the fruits of good deeds; for this reason there is no rain and dew, as if the imams are not the tears of tenderness and the life-giving dew of the thought of God; For this reason, every grain and herb has withered away, as if every good feeling has dried up in us; For this reason, the air is darkened, just as our mind is darkened with cold thoughts and our heart is defiled with lawless lusts. We confess that you, the prophet of God, have asked unworthy of us.
You, having become a servile man to us, became like an angel in your life and, as if incorporeal, you were caught up into heaven, but we, with our cold thoughts and deeds, became like dumb cattle and created our soul like flesh. You surprised angels and men with fasting and vigil, but we, indulging in intemperance and lust, become like senseless cattle. You burned with the utmost zeal for the glory of God, but we neglect the glory of our Creator and Lord and are ashamed to confess His venerable Name.
You have eradicated wickedness and evil customs, but we are slaves to the spirit of this age, supplying the ungodly customs of the world more than the commandments of God and the statutes of the Holy Church. And what sin and untruth have we not committed? Our iniquities exhaust the long-suffering of God. Moreover, the just Lord was angry with us and punished us in His anger. Moreover, knowing your great boldness before the Lord and trusting in your love for the human race, we dare to pray to you, most praiseworthy prophet: be merciful to us, unworthy and indecent. Pray to the Greatly Gifted and All-Bountiful God, may he not be completely angry with us and not destroy us with our iniquities, but may he bring abundant and peaceful rain to the thirsty and parched land, may he grant it fruitfulness and the goodness of the air.
By your effective intercession, bow to the mercy of the Heavenly King, if not for the sake of us, sinners and vile ones, but for the sake of His chosen servants, who have not bowed their knees before the Baal of this world, for the sake of gentle and senseless babies, for the sake of dumb cattle and birds of the air, suffering for our iniquity and melting away from hunger, heat and thirst. Ask us with your favorable prayers from the Lord for the spirit of repentance and heartfelt tenderness, the spirit of meekness and self-control, the spirit of love and patience, the spirit of the fear of God and piety, so that, having returned from the paths of wickedness to the right path of virtue, we walk in the light of God’s commandments and achieve those promised to us good, by the good will of the Beginning God the Father, by the love of His Only Begotten Son and by the grace of the All-Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen".
About protection
Prayers addressed to a powerful prophet can build a Christian reliable protection from evil, bad influences, sudden illness and any misfortune. Elijah is prayed to protect the servants of God by reading the following prayer:
“O holy, glorious prophet of God Elijah, great zealot of the law of God. You were a fair and brave avenger in the murder of the priests of Baal: for you wanted to see the glory of God not begging, but multiplied forever, and you were not afraid of their multifarious fury, for you slaughtered the priests of Jezebel on the potots of Kissov with a knife, watch as a whirlwind Having been caught in a fiery chariot, you ascended to the heights of heaven with glory. For this reason, we, unworthy and sinners, humbly pray to you, honest prophet of God: grant us worthily to glorify and sing of your most honorable intercession, so that having found you as a great intercessor, we may be worthy of rich mercy from the Lord. Even now, gloriously pleasing thee, we pray: protect our kingdom with peace, and deliver us from every slander of the enemy, from hunger, and cowardice, and the fire of lightning, and do not forget, sinners, your blessed memory, who celebrate and constantly glorify the Lord who glorified you. forever and ever. Amen".
Saint Spyridon, Trimifuntsky Wonderworker
Troparion to Spyridon of Trimifuntsky, tone 4
At the first council, you appeared as a champion and wonderworker, God-bearing Spyridon, our father. In the same way, you cried out to the dead in the tomb, and you turned the serpent into gold; and always sing holy prayers to you, the angels co-serving with you, you, most sacred one, had. Glory to Him who gave you strength, glory to Him who crowned you, glory to Him who heals you all.
Kontakion to Spyridon of Trimifuntsky, tone 2
Having been wounded by the love of Christ, O most sacred one, having fixed your mind on the dawn of the Spirit, through your diligent vision you have found, O God-pleasing altar, the Divine altar, asking for the Divine radiance to all.
Prayer to Spyridon of Trimifuntsky
Oh, blessed Saint Spyridon, great servant of Christ and glorious miracle worker! Standing in heaven before the Throne of God with the faces of angels, look with your merciful eye at the people (name) who are standing here and asking for your mighty help. Beg the mercy of God, the Lover of Mankind, not to judge us for our iniquities, but to deal with us according to His mercy! Ask us from Christ and our God for a peaceful and serene life, mental and physical health, earthly prosperity and all abundance and prosperity in everything, and may we not turn the good things given to us from the generous God into evil, but into His glory and the glorification of your intercession ! Deliver everyone who comes to God with undoubted faith from all mental and physical troubles, from all yearnings and the devil’s slander! Be a comforter to the sad, a physician to the sick, a helper in times of adversity, a patron to the naked, a protector to widows, a protector to the orphans, a nourisher to the infant, a strengthener to the old, a guide to the wandering, a helmsman to the sailors, and intercede to all who require your strong help, whatever is useful for salvation! For if we are instructed and observed by your prayers, we will achieve eternal peace and together with you we will glorify God, glorified in the Trinity of Saints, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
