Icon - Prophet Elijah - Wood

This icon represents the Prophet Elijah — in Orthodox tradition: Elijah.

The inscription in Cyrillic at the top reads: “Св. Пророк Илия”, which means “Saint Prophet Elijah”.

The figure appears:

With a long beard and hair (typical of the prophets of the Old Testament).

Dressed in a tunic and mantle (often of animal skin or rough appearance).

Holding a scroll (phylactery) with text, symbol of his prophetic message.

The text usually alludes to the coming of God or to the call to conversion. In many icons of Elijah there is a prophetic phrase related to Christ or to divine justice.

It is a Russian or Slavic Orthodox icon.

Probably between the 18th–19th centuries, though with a more archaizing style.

Technique: tempera on panel with a gold background.

Meaning

Elijah is one of the most important prophets of the Old Testament:

Associated with divine fire and zeal for God.

In Christian tradition, he is seen as the spiritual forerunner of John the Baptist.

He also appears at the Transfiguration of Christ.