Saturday, July 20, 2002

Orthodoxy makes little distinction between "Old" and "New" Testament Saints, celebrating both equally. For those of us using the New Calendar reckoning, today is the feast of the Prophet Elijah. Here are the troparion and kontakion (short hymns) for the feast:

Incarnate Angel and summit of the Prophets,/ second forerunner of the coming of Christ,/ glorious Elijah sent down grace from on high to the Prophet Elisha./ He heals diseases and cleanses the leprous./ He pours healings on all who honour him.

O great Prophet Elijah,/ seer of God's mighty works,/ who didst halt the torrential rain by thy word,/ pray for us to the Lover of Mankind.