A Large Turnout at the Feast of the Prophet Elijah in Haifa

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A large turnout at the Feast of the Prophet Elijah in Haifa | Christian Media Center (cmc-terrasanta.org)

Elias Mishirki, Nazareth: "I came especially to celebrate the feast of Prophet Elijah to pray and ask for his intercession and to extend my congratulations to all those who bear the name of Prophet Elijah."

Teres Andraus, Tarshiha: "Like every year, I came with family and my little daughter to celebrate the feast of the prophet Elijah. Elijah is a great prophet and is distinguished by his zeal for the house of God. I really like this characteristic that I consider a living example in my life."

The prophet Elijah lived during the reign of King Ahab and appeared in the New Testament at the transfiguration of the Lord on Mount Tabor.

On this occasion, the festive mass was presided over by Archbishop Youssef Matta, Metropolitan of the Archdiocese of Acre, Haifa, Nazareth and All Galilee for Melkite Greek Catholics. The metropolitan said in his homily that the prophet Elijah lived through a difficult time when idol worship spread, against which he fought fiercely.

Mgr Youssef Matta, Melkite Archbishop of Acre, Haifa, Nazareth and Galilee: "The prophet Elijah was a messenger of peace because he preached the God of peace. When he challenged the gods of Baal, he gave them a beautiful message. We urgently need the message of true justice, peace, safety and security today. Despite all the damage that has entered our society, we are promoting peace, justice and giving rights to every human being created in the image of God."

Popular traditions and customs of this holiday include lighting candles, fulfilling vows, and praying in the cave located at the back of the church where Elijah the Prophet stayed.

Rasha Abu Shkara Ashkar, Haifa: "I promised to dress my son Marcel, one year after his birth, in the garment of Elijah the Prophet, And celebrate the feast of Elijah the Prophet in this church where we always pray."

A few years ago, after the celebration was over, a group of the faithful spent a few days in a nature park, which is located among the trees of Sandiana and Nober, but today the celebration is limited to the presence of the solemn Holy Mass.

In order to watch a short relation from the Feast, click:

A large turnout at the Feast of the Prophet Elijah in Haifa | Christian Media Center (cmc-terrasanta.org)