37- ST. ELIAS THE PROPHET
		
		
		At a most critical period in the history of the Israelite 
		people, God sent inspired leaders to call His people back 
		to the worship of the One True God. First and greatest 
		among these prophets was Elias the Tishbite (also called 
		Elijah) who enters Israelite history with dramatic 
		suddeness. (1 Kings 17) He prized belief in the One God 
		and there was no deviation from his total dedication. 
		Appropriately, the name Elias means "the Lord is my God." 
		The feast of Elias is celebrated on July 20. 
		
		
		The icon depicting the Prophet Elias fed by ravens shows 
		that nature itself is governed by the will of God. The 
		raven, a bird of prey, is chosen by God to be His 
		instrument. God's words to Elias were: "You shall drink 
		of the stream, and I have commanded ravens to feed you 
		there." (1 Kings 17: 4) 
		
		
		St. Basil the Great gives an interpretation of this event:
		"The dwelling place of Elias was Mount Carmel, a high 
		uninhabited mountain. The wilderness received the hermit; 
		but it was the soul that instituted all for this righteous
		man, and the provision for his life's journey was hope in 
		God. Yet despite this mode of life, he did not die of 
		hunger; on the contrary, the most rapacious birds of prey 
		brought him food. Those whose custom was to steal food 
		of others became servants at his table. At the command 
		of the Lord they changed their nature and became faithful 
		guardians of bread and meat." This event is a prophetic 
		prefiguration of the coming of the Kingdom of God in power.
		Elias the Prophet enjoys great popularity and appreciation.
		 
		
		In other icons, Elias appears as a strict ascetic full of 
		zeal for faith in the true God, yet, afraid of the love 
		God has for him. He is pictured as a "hairy man" holding 
		an open scroll which reads: "I have been most zealous for 
		the Lord the God of Hosts." 
		(1 Kings 19: 10) 
		
		
		Elias did not die! He was carried away in a fiery chariot 
		while yet alive. This introduced the thought that he 
		would return to announce the Messiah. Thus, he is often 
		mentioned in the New Testament, both in preparation for 
		Christ and also by Christ. In fact, Christ identifies 
		Elias and John the Baptist (Mt. 11: 14) and thereby 
		announces the end of the era of waiting. Through Elias 
		we see God's constant faithfulness to His people. He 
		sends prophets in every age to lead His people in the 
		knowledge of One True God. 
		
		
		TROPARION -The glorious Elias, incarnate messenger of 
		God, pillar of prophets, and second forerunner of the 
		coming of Christ, sent grace from on high to Eliseus 
		that he might heal sickness and purify the lepers; 
		therefore, he intercedes in behalf of those who honor him.

		I am confident and posses all I need to succeed
		
		
		A history of oppression, denial, injustice and abuse has been 
		the greatest detriment to people of color. We have listened so 
		long to what we cannot do that we have very little confidence 
		in what we can do. It is this lack of confidence, not racism, 
		hatred lack of education or social injustice that created the 
		greatest deterrent to our progress. One of the best - kept 
		secrets in life is when children of God make up their minds, 
		when they bring their minds into harmony with the desire in 
		their hearts, when they pray for and follow intuitive guidance;
		then no one and nothing can stop them - no matter what color 
		they may be. Confidence and a made - up mind are the stuff 
		kings and queens are made of.
		
		
		If you have no confidence in self, you are twice defeated 
		in the race of life. Which confidence, you have won even 
		before you have started
		

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