The presence of the Prophet Elijah in our lives is a foundation of faith and a source of inspiration for a man with God’s zeal.
Especially today, when we are “filled” with supposedly self-appointed zealots of the faith, Prophet Elias comes to dissolve with his life the dark clouds of turmoil and fanaticism, which these people have caused and have covered us.
He comes to reveal to us the zealous man, who loves God and his fellow man.
He comes to reveal to us that the zealous man is possessed by the zeal of God, by such strong faith that even God obeys him!
Religious fundamentalism today has been identified with extreme fanatical attitudes, which do not fit and are foreign to the Orthodox faith and tradition. Behaviors possessed by fanaticism, denial of dialogue, anger, and hatred towards anyone who has the opposite view.
The true zealot is possessed by the zeal of God, deep faith, love for fellow man.
I hope that we all acquire this faith and zeal of God, so that the praise to God and our voice constantly come out of our hearts, together with the Prophet Elijah confirming that “the Lord lives”!
+ Arch. Bartholomew
Abbot of the Holy Esfigmenou Monastery