saint
Holy Prophet Elias
Ἅγιος Προφήτης Ἠλίας · Святой Пророк Илия
Holy Prophet Elias (Elijah), of the tribe of Levi, from Tishba of Gilead (9th century BC, reign of King Ahab of Israel). One of the greatest of the Old Testament prophets; called by the OCA 'the first dedicated to virginity in the Old Testament.' Taken up into heaven in a fiery chariot without tasting death (2 Kings 2:11); appeared with Moses at the Transfiguration of Christ (Matt. 17:3). In Orthodox liturgical usage, the standard English form is 'Elias' (reflecting Greek Ἠλίας); 'Elijah' is the standard Hebrew-derived form common in English Bibles and also used in Orthodox texts. Feast day 20 July.
Mentioned in 3 passages.
(2) IL. bishop of Jerusalem, c. A.D. 760-797, of whom very little is certainly known. His see was invaded by an ambitious monk named Theodorus before A.D. 763. In this year Theodorus joined in the condemnation of Cosmas, bishop of Epiphania, on the charge of Iconoclasm (Theophan. p. 290). Theodorus also sent synodical letters to Rome, concerning the worship of images, in A.D. 767 and 769, Theodorus is charged with having secured the deposition of Elias, by accusing him of crimes to the chief-counsellor (rpwtoovpBovaov) of Arelia, by whom he was thrown into prison, loaded with fetters, and banished. The date of his restoration is uncertain. He, together with the other patriarchs of the East, was represented at the second Council of Nicaea, A.D. 787, by Joannes, a presbyter, and Thomas, the provost of the convent of St. Arsenius, near Egyptia, Babylon. (Papebroch, nos. 167, 172; Leontius, Vita S, Steph. Sabaitae, c.5; Le Quien, Or. Christ. iii. 300.) [E. V.]
(8) (Aetius, Hettas), bishop of Lyons, next but one after St. Irenaeus. No particulars of his life are known, but Gregory of Tours (de Glorid Confess. c. 62) relates a curious legend that a robber coming to spoil the corpse of Helias was seized in its arms and held fast till found by the authorities and condemned to death ; out the corpse would not let him be taken away for execution, and retained him until he was forgiven. (Gall. Christ. iv. 13; Gams, Ser. Hp. 569.)
[R. T. 8.]