MOSCOW, August 2 (RIA Novosti, Ivan Korzun) - The Russian Orthodox Church is marking on Sunday the day of the Prophet Elijah, with church services around the country commemorating one of the greatest Old Testament saints.
Elijah is the patron saint of Russia's Airborne Troops, who celebrate their professional holiday on August 2.
Elijah, also known as Elias, was born in the ninth century before Christ in Tishba of Gilead (present-day Ajloon, Jordan) into the tribe of the Levites. He was a zealous proponent of true faith and fought the worship of pagan idols by Israelites.
Through his prayer, the prophet brought down fire from the sky, raised the dead and caused rain in the time of drought. Elijah had a disciple named Elisha, or Eliseus.
According to the Second Book of the Kings, Elijah knew God would take him soon, and asked his disciple what he wanted to receive from him. Elisha asked for twice the power that Elijah possessed. Then Elijah was taken up into heaven alive in a chariot of fire, and Elisha was given what he had asked for.
During the Transfiguration of the Lord, described in the New Testament, Elijah and Moses appeared and talked to Jesus on Mount Tabor. According to church legend, Elijah will be the forerunner of the Second Coming of Christ and will be slain while delivering a sermon.
Elijah is also venerated by Roman Catholics, Lutherans and Muslims.
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