Each year on July 20, the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church celebrates the feast of the Holy Prophet Elias. In the English-speaking world, we may be more familiar with him as Elijah, the prophet who was taken into heaven in a chariot of fire.

The Church has long regarded him as one of the greatest prophets of the Old Testament. His life teaches us about faith, courage, prayer, and trust in God.

Elias lived during the reign of King Ahab, when many people in Israel had turned away from the Lord and were worshipping the false god Baal. The First Book of Kings tells us that Ahab did more evil in the eyes of the Lord than those who came before him. Elias spoke boldly against this idolatry and called the people back to faithfulness. To show the people who the true God was, he challenged the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel to a test to see whose god was greater. They prepared a sacrifice and called upon their god to send fire from heaven, but nothing happened. Then Elias built an altar to the Lord, placed the sacrifice upon it, and had it drenched with water so that it would be harder to burn. After Elias prayed, God sent fire from heaven. It consumed the sacrifice, the wood, the stones, and the water around the altar. When the people saw this miracle, they fell to the ground and cried out, “The Lord indeed is God! The Lord indeed is God!” This powerful event, recorded in 1 Kings 18, showed that God alone is the true and living God

God took special care of Elias throughout his ministry. During a time of drought and famine, the Lord provided for him in the wilderness, where ravens brought him food. Later, a widow from Zarephath welcomed Elias into her home. Although she had very little, God blessed her small supply of flour and oil so that it did not run out during the famine. When her son became ill and died, Elias prayed to God, and the child was restored to life (1 Kings 17). Through the Prophet Elias, God revealed His mercy and showed that He is always faithful to those who trust in Him.

A man of deep prayer, Elias sought the Lord in his struggles and moments of discouragement. On Mount Horeb, God revealed Himself to Elias not through a powerful wind, an earthquake, or a fire, but through a gentle whisper (1 Kings 19:11–12). God often speaks softly in the quiet of prayer.

As we often see in icons and Bible stories, the Prophet Elias did not experience death. Scripture tells us that, as he was speaking with his disciple Elisha, “a chariot of fire and horses of fire” appeared, and Elias was taken into heaven in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2:11). Later, he appeared with Moses at the Transfiguration of Our Lord on Mount Tabor, where they spoke with Christ and revealed that He is the fulfilment of the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 17:1–3).

The Church’s hymns speak of the Prophet Elias with great honour. The Troparion of his feast calls him “the foundation of the prophets.” The Church, confident that he “pours forth healing,” also asks for his prayers, knowing that the saints continue to intercede for us before God. Through the centuries, Christians have looked to Elias as an example of courage, prayer, and faithfulness.

In many Ukrainian Greek Catholic parishes, the feast of the Prophet Elias includes the blessing of cars and other vehicles. This custom relates to the prophet’s ascent into heaven in a fiery chariot. As we ask God to bless our vehicles, we also ask Him to protect everyone who travels. The blessing reminds us to begin every journey with prayer, to travel with care and responsibility, and to place our lives in God’s loving hands.

The example of the Prophet Elias is just as important today as it was in his own time. He teaches us to remain steadfast in our faith. He reminds us to make time for prayer and to trust God in every circumstance. Above all, he calls us to put God first.

As we celebrate the feast of the Holy Prophet Elias, may his example strengthen our faith and encourage us to follow Christ with courage and hope. Through his prayers, may the Lord protect us in our homes, in our work, and wherever our journeys may take us.