On July 20, we lift up the memory of the prophet Elijah, translated into Greek as Elias. To celebrate, Fr. Gregory recounts St. Elijah’s story from the Scriptures, which extends across six chapters. This story is not merely a record of a miracle worker, but the journey of a man who walked with God, wholeheartedly devoted to him, during a time of national crisis and spiritual confusion.
In sharing the prophet’s story, Fr. Gregory points out that St. Elijah stands as an example for our own lives. He reminds us that one person, filled with faith and obedience, can ignite a spiritual fire in a people wandering in darkness. He challenged the people of Israel with the question: “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow him.” Fr. Gregory reminds us that the same question confronts each of us today. We live in a world filled with competing loyalties, divided hearts, and a temptation to compromise. However, St. Elijah calls us back to wholehearted devotion to God through boldness, obedience, and humility. May we be found faithful, ready to hear God in the still, small voice and to say, “The Lord, he is God.”
