The holy prophet Zechariah and the holy righteous Elizabeth were the parents of the holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John. They came from the clan of Aaron: Saint Zechariah, son of Barachiah, was a priest in Jerusalem Temple, and Saint Elizabeth was the sister of Saint Anne, mother Holy Mother of God.
The righteous spouses, “walking blamelessly according to all the commandments of the Lord” (Luke 1:5-25), suffered from infertility, which was considered in Old Testament times to be a great punishment from God. One day, while serving in the temple, Saint Zechariah received news from an Angel that his elderly wife would bear him a son, who “will be great before the Lord” (Luke 1:15) and “will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1 , 17).
Zechariah doubted the possibility of fulfilling this prediction and was punished with muteness for his lack of faith.
When righteous Elizabeth had a son, she, at the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, announced that she would name the baby John, although no one in their family had been given such a name before. Asked righteous Zechariah, and he also wrote the name John on the tablet. Immediately the gift of speech returned to him, and he, filled with the Holy Spirit, began to prophesy about his son as the Forerunner of the Lord.
Holy Righteous Elizabeth
When the wicked King Herod heard from the Magi about the born Messiah, he decided to beat all babies under the age of 2 in Bethlehem and its environs, hoping that the born Messiah would be among them. Herod knew well about the unusual birth of the prophet John and wanted to kill him, fearing that he was the King of the Jews. But righteous Elizabeth hid with the baby in the mountains.
The killers looked everywhere for John. Righteous Elizabeth, seeing her pursuers, with tears began to pray to God for salvation, and immediately the mountain parted and sheltered her and the baby from the pursuit. During these disastrous days, Saint Zechariah fulfilled his turn of service in the Jerusalem Temple. The soldiers sent by Herod tried in vain to find out from him where his son was. Then, at the command of Herod, they killed the holy prophet, stabbing him between the altar and the altar (Matthew 23:35).
Righteous Elizabeth died 40 days after her husband, and Saint John, protected by the Lord, remained in the desert until the day of his appearance to the people of Israel.
Troparion, tone 2
Your righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, Lord, we celebrate the memory, with these we pray to You: save our souls.
Troparion to the Holy Prophet Zechariah, tone 4
You were clothed with the garments of the priesthood, in wisdom, according to the law of God, you offered burnt offerings in a sacred manner, Zechariah, and you were a lamp and a spectator of secrets, bearing signs of grace in you clearly, in all wisdom, and you were killed with a sword in the temple of God, the prophet of Christ, with the Forerunner pray for the salvation of souls ours.
Kontakion to the Holy Prophet Zechariah, tone 3
Today the prophet and priest of the Most High, Zechariah, offer, the Forerunner parent, a meal of his memory, feeding faithfully, dissolving the drink of righteousness to everyone, for this sake he dies, like the Divine secret place of God’s grace.
Kontakion of the Righteous Elizabeth, Tone 4
Like the moon is full, you received the Light of Truth from the Mental Sun of the Messiah, and you walked with Zechariah in all the commandments of the Lord, God-beloved Elizabeth. We magnify the Lord with songs worthy of you, pleasingly, the All-Bountiful Light, enlightening everyone..
Prayer to the saints and righteous prophets Zechariah and Elizabeth
About the greatness of Christ's righteous women, Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth! We resort to you and pray to you with great hope: bring your holy prayers to the Lord for us sinners, may He send all that is beneficial to our souls and bodies, rightful faith, unfeigned love, prosperity in good deeds, health and eternal salvation to our souls and bodies. Do not despise our prayers offered to you with tenderness, but be our intercessor to the Lord so that through your help we may be worthy to receive eternal salvation, to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and, together with you and all the saints, to glorify the ineffable love for mankind of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the Trinity we worship God, in forever and ever. Amen.
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Kontakion 1
Chosen from the clan of Aaron, who gave birth to John the God-praised, predestined to be the Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth! For you who have boldness towards the Lord, through your intercession free us from all troubles, who cry to you: Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, who have grown up as good fruit for people.
Ikos 1
The angels of earth and the men of heaven have truly appeared, Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth, from your youth adorned with all the virtues and living an immaculate life together, he wonders, we call you voices of praise: Rejoice, O glorious vegetation of the Aron family. Rejoice, bright adornment of pious parents. Rejoice, guardians of mental and physical purity. Rejoice, zealous guardian of God's commandments. Rejoice, righteous spouses, chosen by God. Rejoice, you have been called to the heavenly table by the Lord. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 2
Seeing from the height of His glory, the Heavenly Father, how your holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth lived piously and holyly, bless your holy branch to produce honest and glorious fruit - John, so that he could be a prophet, Forerunner and Baptist to His beloved Son Jesus To Christ, to Him we give praise: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Archangel Gabriel, directed from above by the Divine Mind, appeared to you, Priest Zechariah, who entered the sanctuary and served according to the order of his order. Seeing the heavenly messenger standing at the right hand of the altar of incense, great fear filled you, and the messenger of God said: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah.” We, touched by the mercy of God towards your family, cry out: Rejoice, strong protection of a chaste life. Rejoice, the immutable victory over sins and passions. Rejoice, generously overshadowed by the grace of God. Rejoice, you who see the hidden mysteries in heaven. Rejoice, like disembodied angels who have lived on earth. Rejoice, having preserved bodily purity in your life. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 3
The ineffable power of God’s mercy has been revealed to you, holy ones, for seeing the righteousness of your walk before the face of God, the Lord has sent you great consolation in your old age, so that you may sing to Him faithfully: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Have a command from the Lord to console you, Holy Zechariah, to tell you the angel of God, that your prayer is acceptable to God and, listening to it, God will grant you mercy: for blessing your wife Elizabeth, resolving the bonds of her infertility, let her give birth to a son of the same name as the grace of John. In the same way, receive this song from us: Rejoice, you who have pleased God with your life. Rejoice, you who have walked holy before Him without fail. Rejoice, for in your prayers to the Creator you exalted your nature. Rejoice, for you have always naturally been comforted by the word of the Lord. Rejoice, you who have placed all your hopes in the Creator. Rejoice in your good deeds not knowing fatigue. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 4
Not overcome by the storm of this worldly life, your son, Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth, will be great before the Lord, not only in body, but also in spirit, says the Angel of the Lord, for with his birth he will bring great joy into the world, as many will rejoice at his birth, praising the Creator: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing wondrous words about his son, how he will be called a great prophet and faster, and from his mother’s womb he will be filled with the Holy Spirit and many from the sons of Israel will turn to the true God for his sake, for he must be the Forerunner of Christ in the spirit and power of the prophet Elijah and prepare peoples to receive the Savior, Zechariah was greatly amazed and surprised, not daring to believe what was spoken by the Angel. We, listening to the words of the angels, cry out to you: Rejoice, you who have acquired the great mercy of the Creator. Rejoice, you who have brought great joy to the tongues. Rejoice, having covered your gray hairs with glory. Rejoice, you who have not deprived yourself of rewards in heaven. Rejoice, you who have become like the merciful Lord in everything. Rejoice, you who have always worshiped the Triune God. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 5
Fear God precisely, the angel of the Lord said to Zechariah: I am Gabriel, standing before God and sent to tell you all this good news, especially because you did not believe my words, you will remain dumb and not utter a single word until everything that I have spoken must be fulfilled according to to the will of the great God, to whom I sing glory: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen the people who were in the Church of the Lord, Zechariah lingered in the altars, I was greatly amazed at this, but I went out to them and was not able to speak, but only anointed, understanding everything, as if he had a vision in the altars. We, glorifying the wondrous Lord in His miracles, say to you: Rejoice, for the power of God has come upon you. Rejoice, for the will of God has been immutably done for you. Rejoice, for the mercy of the Creator has poured out upon you in abundance. Rejoice, for great joy has been generously bestowed upon you by the Creator. Rejoice, for you have been exalted by the holy hand. Rejoice because you are setting an example for everyone. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 6
The word of the Lord, announced by the angel, seeing the event, Elizabeth rejoiced greatly, for she conceived her son and hid herself for five months, saying: as the Lord has done for me in the days that I will take away my reproach among men, that I may sing His praise: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The grace of God arose abundantly in Saint Elizabeth, when she was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out with a great voice to the Virgin Mary: “Blessed are You among women and blessed is the fruit of Your womb! And whence comes this to me, for the Mother of my Lord has come to me!” Her child jumped in the womb with joy at the coming of the Mother of God. Yes, and the grace of the Holy Spirit has descended upon us, crying out with joy: Rejoice, gilded by the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, the Creator has generously given grace to the overshadowing. Rejoice, great child who conceived holyly. Rejoice, you who have known the joy of fatherhood and motherhood from God. Rejoice, relative of the Mother of God in all honor. Rejoice, most blessed servant of the incarnate Son of God. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 7
I want to announce to people from the angel the named name of my son John, Saint Zechariah, after his birth he wrote and opened your tongue and mouth, and said again, blessing God and singing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Give you new grace, Lord, righteous Zechariah, fill you with the Holy Spirit, and prophesy to you, saying: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for you have visited and created deliverance for your people and raised up the horn of salvation for us in the house of your servant David, like the mouth of the holy ones.” From the beginning of time His prophet, and you, as a child, were called the prophet of the Most High, for you went before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways.” But we, heeding your prophecy, through you, the righteous women of God, praise the Lord, singing these praises to you: Rejoice, having brought forth the holy into the world. Rejoice, you who brought joy to the world through this Christmas. Rejoice, you who have praised God beyond measure. Rejoice, you who served the Lord faithfully. Rejoice, all who fulfilled His Laws. Rejoice, you have kept yourself pure. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 8
A strange miracle happened around the living people, when I heard about the glorious and wonderful birth of your child, the holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, and with surprise I said to myself: “What will this lad do?” We, rejoicing in the glorious birth of the Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, cry out to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You were filled with great confusion, the prophet of God Zechariah, in vain Holy Virgin Mary and the Child of God came to the temple and stood in front of the temple doors in the place of the unclean women, wanting to ask for the lawful cleansing. Having led You into the Holy of Holies by you, at the inspiration of God, brought in and brought up there and realizing in the spirit that this Mother is the Pure Virgin even after the Nativity, put You for this sake in the place of maidens, where wives who have husbands do not stand properly. We, praising the Pure Virgin with you, cry out with love and tenderness: Rejoice, you who have given glory to the Mother of God. Rejoice, you who together with all praised Her. Rejoice, you who have been waiting for God's coming into the world. Rejoice, pure prayer Pleasing the Creator. Rejoice, joyful in the face of the Infant Christ. Rejoice in His erection of the Kingdom of God. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 9
All the angels and saints rejoiced with great joy when you, holy Zechariah, on your righteous hands, were touched in your heart and with the fear of God, you accepted the Infant of God, and as the Creator and God, you cried out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Human infamy does not suffice for the worthy glorification of your wondrous life, the holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, for it is not possible to confess and honor all your prayers and fastings, all your tears and sighs even to God. Receive from us, who strive with love for you, this small praise: Rejoice, vessels of the Holy Spirit from the age of election. Rejoice, you stretched out your hand to the Creator in hope. Rejoice, saints of the Most Holy Trinity. Rejoice, you who found the way to God through thorns. Rejoice, having acquired salvation through your labors. Rejoice, you who have trusted only in the Lord for everything. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 10
If she wants to save her child, her mother gives her child water and runs with him to the mountains from the evil child-killer Herod, who sent soldiers to Bethlehem so that all the babies will be beaten, ordering the death of your child too, blessed Zechariah and Elizabeth. We, the Lord, who preserves His chosen ones from the hand of the wicked, say with love: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
The Lord, righteous Elisabeth, was a wall of intercession from the overtaking murderers, when, according to your prayer: “Mountain of God, receive mother and son!”, He commanded the mountain of stone to immediately part and enclose you and your child within itself. Rejoicing in your salvation with tears, we cry out to you: Rejoice in the Lord in all the ways of your preservation. Rejoice, being led through this life by the hand of God. Rejoice, you who carried love for the Creator within you. Rejoice, you who have tasted the incorruptible fruit in Paradise. Rejoice, those who suffered for the truth of God. Rejoice, having desired to be with God. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 11
You brought prayer songs to the Lord God, holy and righteous Zechariah, when the warriors of the beastly Herod came to you with the command to give them your son. You answered them: “I serve this day the Lord God of Israel, and I know not where my son is!” Cry out to God who strengthens you: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
The temple of the Lord was filled with heavenly light, O righteous Zechariah, when you said to the warriors asking you: “You will kill my body, but the Lord will receive my soul!” I was killed between the church and the altar, as Herod commanded, your holy blood that was shed was thickened on marble and hardened as a testimony and eternal condemnation of Herod. We are martyrdom Glorifying yours, we sing with voices of praise: Rejoice, you who have dedicated your souls to the Creator. Rejoice, having preserved them in holiness. Rejoice in the heavenly glory of the wedding from God. Rejoice in the joy of your Lord to enter into your calling. Rejoice, for you are now eating incorruptible food. Rejoice, for you continually pray to God for us.
Kontakion 12
Divine grace appeared on you, righteous Elisabeth, and an indescribable miracle was marvelously revealed, when in the mountain that hid you and your child, by God’s command a cave was built, a spring of water opened and a phoenix grew over the cave, bearing its fruits in abundance. Rejoicing in such favor of God, you sang to Him with your child: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing a joyful song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, after forty days after the murder of the righteous Zechariah, Saint Elizabeth gave up her soul to her Creator and was united with her husband in heaven. Glorifying righteous living yours, Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth, we earnestly beseech you to hear our singing of praise: Rejoice, for in the holy faith you are affirmed. Rejoice, for you are our protection from troubles. Rejoice, for you always protect us from sorrows. Rejoice, for you tame the passions of the body in us. Rejoice, you are the patron of wisdom as a pious spouse. Rejoice, you are a teacher of goodness as our children. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 13
Oh, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth! We pray to you with zeal and love: ask our Lord for confirmation in this life of faith and virtues, deliverance from sorrows and misfortunes, forgiveness of our sins, so that we too may be worthy to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and sing to God forever: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times. Then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1.
Prayer
About the greatness of Christ's righteous women, Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth! We resort to you and pray to you with great hope: bring your holy prayers to the Lord for us sinners, may He send all that is beneficial to our souls and bodies, rightful faith, unfeigned love, prosperity in good deeds, health and eternal salvation to our souls and bodies. Do not despise our prayers offered to you with tenderness, but be our intercessor to the Lord so that through your help we may be worthy to receive eternal salvation, to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and, together with you and all the saints, to glorify the ineffable love for mankind of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the Trinity we worship God, in forever and ever. Amen.
Zechariah the Righteous, father of John the Baptist
See also: "
Elizabeth, mother of John the Baptist
Lives of the Prophet Zechariah and the Righteous Elizabeth
The holy prophet Zechariah and the holy righteous Elizabeth were the parents of the holy Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John. They came from the Aaronic family: Saint Zechariah, son of Barachiah, was a priest in the Jerusalem Temple, and Saint Elizabeth was the sister of Saint Anna, the mother of the Most Holy Theotokos. The righteous spouses, “walking blamelessly in all the commandments of the Lord” (Luke 1:5-25), suffered from infertility, which was considered in Old Testament times to be a great punishment from God. One day, while serving in the temple, Saint Zechariah received news from an Angel that his elderly wife would bear him a son, who “will be great before the Lord” (Luke 1:15) and “will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1). ,17). Zechariah doubted the possibility of fulfilling this prediction and was punished with muteness for his lack of faith. When righteous Elizabeth had a son, she, at the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, announced that she would name the baby John, although no one in their family had been given such a name before. They asked the righteous Zechariah, and he also wrote the name John on the tablet. Immediately the gift of speech returned to him, and he, filled with the Holy Spirit, began to prophesy about his son as the Forerunner of the Lord.
When the wicked King Herod heard from the Magi about the born Messiah, he decided to beat all babies under the age of 2 in Bethlehem and its environs, hoping that the born Messiah would be among them. Herod knew well about the unusual birth of the prophet John and wanted to kill him, fearing that he was the King of the Jews. But righteous Elizabeth hid with the baby in the mountains. The killers looked everywhere for John. Righteous Elizabeth, seeing her pursuers, with tears began to pray to God for salvation, and immediately the mountain parted and sheltered her and the baby from the pursuit. During these disastrous days, Saint Zechariah fulfilled his turn of service in the Jerusalem Temple. The soldiers sent by Herod tried in vain to find out from him where his son was. Then, at the command of Herod, they killed the holy prophet, stabbing him between the altar and the altar (Matt. 23:35). Righteous Elizabeth died 40 days after her husband, and Saint John, protected by the Lord, remained in the desert until the day of his appearance to the people of Israel.
See also: " Life of the Holy Prophet Zechariah"as presented by St. Demetrius of Rostov.
Zechariah the Righteous(+ late 1st century BC - early 1st century AD), prophet, father of John the Baptist. Memory September 5 (September 18).
Elizabeth the Righteous(+ late 1st century BC - early 1st century AD), mother of John the Baptist. Memory September 5 (September 18).
The holy prophet Zechariah and the holy righteous Elizabeth were the parents of St. John the Baptist. They came from the Aaronic family: Saint Zechariah, son of Barachiah, was a priest in the Jerusalem Temple, and Saint Elizabeth was the sister of Saint Anna. The righteous spouses, “walking blamelessly according to all the commandments of the Lord” (Luke 1:5-25), suffered from infertility, which was considered in Old Testament times to be a great punishment from God. One day, while serving in the temple, Saint Zechariah received news from an Angel that his elderly wife would bear him a son, who “will be great before the Lord” (Luke 1:15) and “will go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1 , 17). Zechariah doubted the possibility of fulfilling this prediction and was punished with muteness for his lack of faith. When righteous Elizabeth had a son, she, at the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, announced that she would name the baby John, although no one in their family had been given such a name before. They asked the righteous Zechariah, and he also wrote the name John on the tablet. Immediately the gift of speech returned to him, and he, filled with the Holy Spirit, began to prophesy about his son as the Forerunner of the Lord.
When the wicked King Herod heard from the Magi about the born Messiah, he decided to beat all babies under the age of 2 in Bethlehem and its environs, hoping that the born Messiah would be among them. Herod knew well about the unusual birth of the prophet John and wanted to kill him, fearing that he was the King of the Jews. But righteous Elizabeth hid with the baby in the mountains. The killers looked everywhere for John. Righteous Elizabeth, seeing her pursuers, with tears began to pray to God for salvation, and immediately the mountain parted and sheltered her and the baby from the pursuit. During these disastrous days, Saint Zechariah fulfilled his turn of service in the Jerusalem Temple. The soldiers sent by Herod tried in vain to find out from him where his son was. Then, at the command of Herod, they killed the holy prophet, stabbing him between the altar and the altar (Matthew 23:35). Righteous Elizabeth died 40 days after her husband, and Saint John, protected by the Lord, remained in the desert until the day of his appearance to the people of Israel.
Elizabeth the Righteous came from the line of Aaron (Luke 1:5), bearing the name of her ancestress (Exodus 6:23). Elizabeth's marriage with the priest Zechariah from the line of Abijah remained childless for a long time, until God promised her husband the birth of a son, John, the future Baptist. Elizabeth was a relative of the Mother of God, to whom the angel at the Annunciation indicates that Elizabeth is destined to become a mother in her old age. Mary, hearing this, hurries “to the mountainous country” where Elizabeth lives, and upon meeting she learns that Elizabeth is carrying a baby in her womb. In turn, Elizabeth, inspired by God, confirms to Mary that “what has been spoken to her by the Lord will be fulfilled.” Mary stays with Elizabeth for three months, being in communication with her older relative best conditions in order to internally realize and perceive the amazing event that entered her life (Luke 1:5-56).
King Herod was well aware of the unusual birth of the prophet John and wanted to kill him, fearing that he was the King of the Jews. But righteous Elizabeth hid with the baby in the mountains. The killers looked everywhere for John. Righteous Elizabeth, seeing her pursuers, with tears began to pray to God for salvation, and immediately the mountain parted and sheltered her and the baby from the pursuit. During these disastrous days, Saint Zechariah fulfilled his turn of service in the Jerusalem Temple. The soldiers sent by Herod tried in vain to find out from him where his son was. Then, at the command of Herod, they killed the holy prophet, stabbing him between the altar and the altar (Matthew 23:35). Righteous Elizabeth died 40 days after her husband.
Kontakion 1
Chosen from the line of Aaron, who gave birth to John the God-praised, predestined to be the Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth! For you who have boldness towards the Lord, through your intercession free us from all troubles, who cry to you: Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, who have grown up as good fruit for people.
Ikos 1
The angels of earth and the men of heaven have truly appeared, Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth, from your youth adorned with all the virtues and having lived your life immaculately together, as it seemed to him, we call you voices of praise: Rejoice, O glorious vegetation of the Aron family. Rejoice, bright adornment of pious parents. Rejoice, guardians of mental and physical purity. Rejoice, zealous guardian of God's commandments. Rejoice, righteous spouses, chosen by God. Rejoice, you have been called to the heavenly table by the Lord. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 2
Seeing from the height of His glory, the Heavenly Father, how your holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth lived piously and holyly, bless your holy branch to produce honest and glorious fruit - John, so that he could be a prophet, Forerunner and Baptist to His beloved Son Jesus To Christ, to Him we give praise: Alleluia.
Ikos 2
Archangel Gabriel, directed from above by the Divine Mind, appeared to you, Priest Zechariah, who entered the sanctuary and served according to the order of his order. Seeing the heavenly messenger standing at the right hand of the altar of incense, great fear filled you, and the messenger of God said: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah.” We, touched by the mercy of God towards your family, cry out: Rejoice, strong protection of a chaste life. Rejoice, the immutable victory over sins and passions. Rejoice, generously overshadowed by the grace of God. Rejoice, you who see the hidden mysteries in heaven. Rejoice, like disembodied angels who have lived on earth. Rejoice, having preserved bodily purity in your life. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 3
The ineffable power of God’s mercy has been revealed to you, holy ones, for seeing the righteousness of your walk before the face of God, the Lord has sent you great consolation in your old age, so that you may sing to Him faithfully: Alleluia.
Ikos 3
Have a command from the Lord to comfort you, Holy Zechariah, to tell the angel of God that your prayer is acceptable to God and, listening to it, God will grant you mercy: for blessing your wife Elizabeth, resolving the bonds of her infertility, let her give birth to a son of the same name as the grace of John. In the same way, receive this song from us: Rejoice, you who have pleased God with your life. Rejoice, you who have walked holy before Him without fail. Rejoice, for in your prayers to the Creator you exalted your nature. Rejoice, for you have always naturally been comforted by the word of the Lord. Rejoice, you who have placed all your hopes in the Creator. Rejoice, you who have never experienced weariness in your good deeds. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 4
Not overcome by the storm of this worldly life, your son, Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth, will be great before the Lord, not only in body, but also in spirit, says the Angel of the Lord, for with his birth he will bring great joy into the world, as many will rejoice at his birth, praising the Creator: Alleluia.
Ikos 4
Hearing wondrous words about his son, how he will be called a great prophet and faster, and from his mother’s womb he will be filled with the Holy Spirit and many from the sons of Israel will turn to the true God for his sake, for he must be the Forerunner of Christ in the spirit and power of the prophet Elijah and prepare peoples to receive the Savior, Zechariah was greatly amazed and surprised, not daring to believe what was spoken by the Angel. We, listening to the words of the angels, cry out to you: Rejoice, you who have acquired the great mercy of the Creator. Rejoice, you who have brought great joy to the tongues. Rejoice, having covered your gray hairs with glory. Rejoice, you who have not deprived yourself of rewards in heaven. Rejoice, you who have become like the merciful Lord in everything. Rejoice, you who have always worshiped the Triune God. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 5
Fear God precisely, the angel of the Lord said to Zechariah: I am Gabriel, standing before God and sent to tell you all this good news, especially because you did not believe my words, you will remain dumb and not utter a single word until everything that I have spoken must be fulfilled according to to the will of the great God, to whom I sing glory: Alleluia.
Ikos 5
Having seen the people who were in the Church of the Lord, Zechariah lingered in the altars, I was greatly amazed at this, but I went out to them and was not able to speak, but only anointed, understanding everything, as if he had a vision in the altars. We, glorifying the wondrous Lord in His miracles, say to you: Rejoice, for the power of God has been fulfilled on you. Rejoice, for the will of God has been immutably done for you. Rejoice, for the mercy of the Creator has poured out upon you in abundance. Rejoice, for great joy has been generously bestowed upon you by the Creator. Rejoice, for you have been exalted by the holy hand. Rejoice because you are setting an example for everyone. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 6
The word of the Lord, announced by the angel, seeing the event, Elizabeth rejoiced greatly, for she conceived her son and hid herself for five months, saying: as the Lord has done for me in the days that I will take away my reproach among men, that I may sing His praise: Alleluia.
Ikos 6
The grace of God arose abundantly in Saint Elizabeth, when she was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried out with a great voice to the Virgin Mary: “Blessed are You among women and blessed is the fruit of Your womb! And where do I get this from, since the Mother of my Lord came to me!” Her child jumped in the womb with joy at the coming of the Mother of God. Yes, and the grace of the Holy Spirit has descended upon us, crying out with joy: Rejoice, gilded by the Holy Spirit. Rejoice, the Creator has generously given grace to the overshadowing. Rejoice, great child who conceived holyly. Rejoice, you who have known the joy of fatherhood and motherhood from God. Rejoice, relative of the Mother of God in all honor. Rejoice, most blessed servant of the incarnate Son of God. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 7
I want to announce to people from the angel the named name of my son John, Holy Zechariah, after his birth he wrote and opened your tongue and mouth, and said again, blessing God and singing to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 7
Give you new grace, Lord, righteous Zechariah, fill you with the Holy Spirit, and prophesy to you, saying: “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for you have visited and created deliverance for your people and raised up the horn of salvation for us in the house of your servant David, like the mouth of the holy ones.” From the beginning of time His prophet, and you, as a child, were called the Prophet of the Most High, for you went before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways.” But we, heeding your prophecy, through you, the righteous women of God, praise the Lord, singing these praises to you: Rejoice, having brought forth the holy into the world. Rejoice, you who brought joy to the world through this Christmas. Rejoice, you who have praised God beyond measure. Rejoice, you who served the Lord faithfully. Rejoice, all who fulfilled His Laws. Rejoice, you have kept yourself pure. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 8
A strange miracle happened around the living people, when I heard about the glorious and wonderful birth of your child, the holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, and with surprise I said to myself: “What will this lad do?” We, rejoicing in the glorious birth of the Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, cry out to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 8
You were filled with great confusion, the prophet of God Zechariah, in vain the Most Holy Virgin Mary with the Child of God came to the temple and in the place of unclean women stood before the doors of the temple, wanting to ask for the lawful cleansing. Having led You into the Holy of Holies by you, at the inspiration of God, brought in and brought up there, and realizing in spirit that this Mother is the Pure Virgin even after the Nativity, put You for this sake in the place of maidens, where wives who have husbands do not stand in a manner befitting. We, praising the Pure Virgin with you, cry out with love and tenderness: Rejoice, you who have given glory to the Mother of God. Rejoice, you who together with all praised Her. Rejoice, you who have been waiting for God's coming into the world. Rejoice, having pleased the Creator with pure prayer. Rejoice, joyful in the face of the Infant Christ. Rejoice in His erection of the Kingdom of God. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 9
All the angels and saints rejoiced with great joy when you, holy Zechariah, on your righteous hands, were touched in your heart and with the fear of God, you accepted the Infant of God, and as the Creator and God, you cried out to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 9
Human infamy does not suffice for the worthy glorification of your wondrous life, the holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, for it is not possible to confess and honor all your prayers and fastings, all your tears and sighs even to God. Receive from us, who strive with love for you, this small praise: Rejoice, vessels of the Holy Spirit from the age of election. Rejoice, you stretched out your hand to the Creator in hope. Rejoice, saints of the Most Holy Trinity. Rejoice, you who found the way to God through thorns. Rejoice, having acquired salvation through your labors. Rejoice, you who have trusted only in the Lord for everything. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 10
If she wants to save her child, her mother gives her child water and runs with him to the mountains from the evil child-killer Herod, who sent soldiers to Bethlehem so that all the babies will be beaten, ordering the death of your child too, blessed Zechariah and Elizabeth. We, the Lord, who preserves His chosen ones from the hand of the wicked, say with love: Alleluia.
Ikos 10
The Lord, righteous Elisabeth, was a wall of protection from the oncoming murderers, when, at your prayer: “Mountain of God, receive mother and son!”, He commanded the mountain of stone to immediately part and enclose you and your child within itself. Rejoicing in your salvation with tears, we cry out to you: Rejoice in the Lord in all the ways of your preservation. Rejoice, being led through this life by the hand of God. Rejoice, you who carried love for the Creator within you. Rejoice, you who have tasted the incorruptible fruit in Paradise. Rejoice, those who suffered for the truth of God. Rejoice, having desired to be with God. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 11
You brought prayer songs to the Lord God, holy and righteous Zechariah, when the warriors of the beastly Herod came to you with the command to give them your son. You answered them: “I serve this day the Lord God of Israel, and I know not where my son is!” Cry out to God who strengthens you: Alleluia.
Ikos 11
The temple of the Lord was filled with heavenly light, O righteous Zechariah, when you said to the warriors asking you: “You will kill my body, but the Lord will receive my soul!” I was killed between the church and the altar, as Herod commanded, your holy blood that was shed was thickened on marble and hardened as a testimony and eternal condemnation of Herod. We, glorifying your martyrdom, sing with voices of praise: Rejoice, you who have dedicated your souls to the Creator. Rejoice, having preserved them in holiness. Rejoice in the heavenly glory of the wedding from God. Rejoice in the joy of your Lord to enter into your calling. Rejoice, for you are now eating incorruptible food. Rejoice, for you continually pray to God for us.
Kontakion 12
Divine grace appeared on you, righteous Elizabeth, and an indescribable miracle was marvelously revealed, when in the mountain that hid you and your child, by God’s command a cave was built, a spring of water opened and a phoenix grew over the cave, bearing its fruits in abundance. Rejoicing in such favor of God, you sang to Him with your child: Alleluia.
Ikos 12
Singing a joyful song of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, after forty days after the murder of the righteous Zechariah, Saint Elizabeth gave up her soul to her Creator and was united with her husband in heaven. Glorifying your righteous life, Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth, we earnestly beseech you to hear our song of praise: Rejoice, for in the holy faith you are confirmed. Rejoice, for you are our protection from troubles. Rejoice, for you always protect us from sorrows. Rejoice, for you tame the passions of the body in us. Rejoice, you are the patron of wisdom as a pious spouse. Rejoice, you are a teacher of goodness as our children. Rejoice, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, good fruit for people who have grown.
Kontakion 13
Oh, holy and righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth! We pray to you with zeal and love: ask our Lord for confirmation in this life of faith and virtues, deliverance from sorrows and misfortunes, forgiveness of our sins, so that we too may be worthy to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and sing to God forever: Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.
This kontakion is read three times. Then Ikos 1 and Kontakion 1.
Prayer
About the greatness of Christ's righteous women, Saints Zechariah and Elizabeth! We resort to you and pray to you with great hope: bring your holy prayers to the Lord for us sinners, may He send all that is beneficial to our souls and bodies, rightful faith, unfeigned love, prosperity in good deeds, health and eternal salvation to our souls and bodies. Do not despise our prayers offered to you with tenderness, but be our intercessor to the Lord so that through your help we may be worthy to receive eternal salvation, to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and, together with you and all the saints, to glorify the ineffable love for mankind of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, in the Trinity we worship God, in forever and ever. Amen.
Troparion to Saint Zechariah
voice 4
The priesthood was clothed with wisdom, according to the Law of God, you offered burnt offerings in a sacred manner, Zechariah, and you were a lamp and a spectator of secrets, bearing signs of grace in you clearly to all wisdom: and you were killed by the sword in the temple of God, the prophecy of Christ with the Forerunner prayed for our souls to be saved.
Kontakion to Saint Zechariah
voice 3
Today the prophet and priest of the Most High, Zechariah, offer, the Forerunner parent, a meal of his memory, feeding faithfully, dissolving the drink of righteousness to everyone: for this reason he dies, as the Divine secret place of God's grace.
Kontakion of Saints Elizabeth
voice 4
Like the moon is full, you received the light of truth from the mental sun of the Messiah, and you walked in all the commandments of the Lord with Zechariah, God-beloved Elizabeth: we magnify the Lord with worthy songs that please you, the all-generous light that enlightens everyone.
September 18, 2014
September 18 is the day of remembrance of the holy prophet Zechariah and holy righteous Elizabeth
The Holy Prophet Zechariah and the Righteous Elizabeth are revered by the Church, first of all, as the parents of St. John the Baptist. However, the events of their lives are important for us not only in connection with the circumstances of the birth and first years of life of the greatest of the prophets. Their spiritual experience, even doubts and mistakes, can reveal a lot to every person.
Saint Zechariah was a priest in the Jerusalem Temple and, like all Old Testament priests, was a descendant of Aaron, the brother of the prophet Moses. His wife, righteous Elizabeth, also descended from the line of Aaron, was a sister righteous Anna, mother of the Blessed Virgin Mary. According to the Gospel, “both of them were righteous before God, walking according to all the commandments and statutes of the Lord blamelessly” (Luke 1:6).
Zechariah and Elizabeth, however, did not have children, which in those days was considered a punishment from God. The long-term sorrow of the righteous spouses, however, was to turn into the greatest “joy and gladness” not only for Zechariah and Elizabeth, but also for many people who would rejoice at the miraculous birth of their son (Luke 1:14).
One day, Zechariah “in the order of his turn served before God, by lot, as was usual among priests, he got to enter the temple of the Lord to burn incense” (Luke 1:8). In the times before the birth of the Savior, the entire Old Testament priesthood was divided into 24 parts, “orders,” each of which served in the Jerusalem Temple at a certain time of the liturgical year. Which of the priests of a certain order was to serve on a given day was determined by lot. Zechariah belonged to the “Abiyan line” and on that day the lot fell on him.
For modern man censing by a priest in a church is quite common. Now priests perform it at almost every service, that is, at least several times a week, sometimes even several times a day. In the time of the Savior, everything was completely different. According to the Old Testament regulations, there was only one temple of the Lord in Jerusalem. The burning of incense, as established by the Lord Himself, took place every day in the Holy of Holies, the most sacred place of the Old Testament. According to historians, there were about 8 thousand priests in those days. Using simple calculations, it turns out that on average a priest had to perform the ritual of burning incense in a temple once every 20-25 years, i.e. 1-2 times in life. Or it might not have happened at all: the order of service was determined by lot, and it might simply never appear.
Ceiling in the temple, therefore, was an extraordinary event in the life of the Old Testament priest of that time, especially for Zechariah, who was already in his old age and could hardly count on the lot falling on him one more time. Therefore, it is no coincidence that God revealed His will to Zechariah precisely in the temple and on this very day. The temple is a place of God’s special presence, it is there that we must rush so that the Lord will work a miracle with us, first of all, the miracle of transforming our lives into joyful service to God and people.
And so, on that important point, when Zechariah stood alone before the Lord (according to Old Testament rites, other worshipers at that moment had to stand not in the temple itself, but in the vestibule), the Archangel Gabriel appeared to him and said to him: “...do not be afraid, Zechariah, for you have heard your prayer, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will call his name John” (Luke 1:13). Judging by Zechariah's further actions, he had long since despaired of having children, and accordingly could not pray for the birth of a son. What then do the words of the archangel mean: “your prayer has been heard?”
The fact is that the priest, while burning incense in the temple, had to pray for the people: the incense burnt towards heaven symbolizes the prayers of believers to the Almighty God. This rite has not lost its significance in the New Testament Church: during the usual for us burning of the temple, the priest, just like Zechariah then, stands before God for the entire church people.
Just Zechariah's prayers for Jewish people and were then heard by God - the son promised to him would have to play important role in the matter of saving not only the Jews, but also all mankind: he “will turn many of the sons of Israel to the Lord their God... in order to present to the Lord a people prepared” for the coming of the Messiah (Luke 1:16-17). Zechariah, however, did not believe the Angel’s words. He began to object: “How do I know this? for I am old, and my wife is advanced in years” (Luke 1:18).
It seems strange why a person righteous life suddenly I didn’t believe the obvious miracle. In addition, he had to remember the biblical stories of the miraculous birth of children from elderly, childless parents: the forefather Isaac (Gen. 17, 15-21; 18, 9-15; 21, 1-7) and the prophet Samuel (1 Sam. 1, 1-20) . In fact, we just expect biblical heroes some especially pious behavior, meanwhile, they were the same people as us, and sometimes they sinned with the same unbelief as we do. And in in this case Zechariah remained captive of the delusion that is also characteristic of modern believers. We often think that events from the lives of saints of former times, with whom great miracles and revelations happened, relate only to ancient times, and now, especially, nothing like this can happen to us. However, God's Providence for man always remains the same: at all times the Lord is ready to miraculously help those who believe in Him. And only our lack of faith prevents Him from revealing Himself in our lives.
Because of his distrust of God, Zechariah was struck deaf and dumb. Such punishment, on the one hand, was fair: as a disobedient he lost his hearing, and as a contradictor, he lost his speech. But what is probably more important is that Zechariah himself at that moment needed to comprehend what had happened in silence and silence, in order to then prophetically proclaim the will of God to the people. We, alas, are subject to noisy vanity and idle talk, and therefore we do not hear the voice of God. Someday you need to stop, be silent and listen to the word of God, and not human gossip.
As promised through the Archangel Gabriel, righteous Elizabeth conceived a son. For five months she hid from people. This is understandable; a person who has received a gift from God will treat it with reverence and caution, and, moreover, will not boast about it ahead of time. When Elizabeth was six months pregnant, her relative, the Most Pure Virgin Mary, came to her, having just received from the Archangel Gabriel the good news of the birth of the Savior of the human race from Her. As soon as the Mother of God entered the house of Zechariah, the baby in Elizabeth’s womb “jumped,” i.e. began to beat joyfully, feeling the coming of his Lord and Messiah. This is how John the Baptist began his prophetic ministry while still in the womb. And Elizabeth herself, filled with the Holy Spirit, made a welcoming speech-prophecy, where she called Mary “Mother of the Lord” and glorified Her faith in the promised miraculous birth of the Son (Luke 1:41-45). The words from this greeting: “Blessed are You among women, and blessed is the fruit of Your womb!” (Luke 1:42) - are still repeated in one of the most important and frequently spoken prayers, “O Theotokos, Virgin, Rejoice!”
After Zechariah and Elizabeth had a son, on the 8th day after the birth of the baby, relatives and neighbors gathered in their house to circumcise the baby and give him a name. Everyone suggested naming the child after his father Zachariah. Elizabeth, unexpectedly for everyone, said that his name should be John. Those gathered were very surprised by these words, because there was no one in her family who was called by this name, and then it was customary to name children in honor of ancestors or relatives. Then they asked the righteous Zechariah, and he also wrote the name John on the tablet. Immediately the gift of speech returned to Zechariah, and he, filled with the Holy Spirit, blessed God and uttered a prophecy of amazing poetic power (Luke 1:67-79), in which he announced the coming soon of the promised Savior and the role of his newborn son in this event (“And you, little child, will be called a prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways” (Luke 1:76).
Zechariah finished his prophetic ministry, like most of the Old Testament prophets. martyrdom. According to church tradition, the father of John the Baptist was that “Zechariah, son of Barachias,” killed “between the temple and the altar,” whom the Savior speaks of as the last righteous man, whose blood will come on the wicked Pharisees (Matthew 23:35). Herod, who had already killed the Bethlehem babies, having learned about the miraculous birth of John the Baptist, decided to kill him too, fearing that this child was the King of the Jews, whom the Magi had announced. Righteous Elizabeth, however, took refuge with her son in the mountains. The murderers searched everywhere for John in vain. Then they grabbed Zechariah right in the temple of God and tried to find out where his wife and son were hiding. Having received no answer, they killed the holy prophet. Righteous Elizabeth, according to legend, died 40 days after her husband, and Saint John, protected by the Lord, remained in the desert until the day of his appearance to the Israeli people.
The Day of the Prophet Zechariah and the Righteous Elizabeth is celebrated on September 18 in all Orthodox churches. The holy couple were born in old age the great prophet John the Baptist, who had a good mission in life - to baptize Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan. The birth of the future martyr and ascetic became a great miracle and consolation for elderly parents.
Living a Life Controlled by God
The good couple lived in Jerusalem. The Prophet Zechariah was a priest in one of the city churches. Both spouses came from the Aaronic family. Moreover, Saint Elizabeth was the sister of righteous Anna, the mother of the Most Pure Virgin Mary.
The family life of a good couple was darkened by prolonged childlessness, which was taken as an indicator of sinful life in ancient Jerusalem. The couple were already at an age when it seemed that the birth of their first child should be forgotten, when suddenly a great miracle happened. The Lord heard their prayers and sent a blessing for the birth of the baby.
This event was accompanied by a series of unprecedented phenomena. During a service in the temple, the prophet Zechariah saw an Angel appear from heaven, who predicted the birth of his son John. Desperate from many years of waiting for the birth of baby Zacharias, he could not believe the prediction. For this, he suffered God's punishment - the prophet was speechless until the long-awaited event took place - the birth of his first-born. The Prophet was able to speak only on the day of the baby's circumcision, when he wrote on a tablet what name should be given to his son.
A great miracle happened when, according to all human reasoning, the birth of a child could no longer be possible. But the Lord managed everything.
Why pray to the prophet Zechariah and the righteous Elizabeth
On festive service, with a prayer request, on the day of veneration of the holy couple, those who have long dreamed of a baby, but cannot receive a blessing from the Lord for his birth, should hurry first of all. The holy prophet Zachaias and righteous Elizabeth, who themselves bore the cross of childlessness for many years, must respond to the request coming from a suffering soul.
Prophet Zechariah and righteous Elizabeth help establish family life, cope with despair and disbelief, come to the aid of illnesses. Their prayer protection fills life with prosperity and tranquility. And prayer to the saints strengthens one’s faith and does not allow one to fall into a state of despair and despondency. To get help, just light a candle near the icon of saints and pray.
Troparion:
You were clothed with the garments of the priesthood, in wisdom, according to the Law of God, you offered burnt offerings in a sacred manner, Zechariah, and you were a lamp and a spectator of secrets, bearing signs of grace in you clearly, to all wisdom. And he was killed with a sword in the temple of God, the prophet of Christ, pray with the Forerunner for our souls to be saved.Another troparion:
Our righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, O Lord, celebrate the memory of those we pray to You: save our souls.Kontakion:
Today the prophet and priest of the Most High, Zechariah, offer, the Forerunner parent, a meal of his memory, feeding the faithful, dissolving the drink of righteousness to everyone, for this sake he dies, like the Divine secret place of God’s grace.
