Icon - Prophet Elijah - Wood - Hand painted - 20 x 30 cm

A hand-painted Bulgarian icon of the Holy Prophet Elijah.

Key elements in the icon "The Fiery Ascension of the Holy Prophet Elijah":

• The Fiery Chariot and Horses: The central element is a bright red (fiery) chariot, drawn by four fiery horses racing upward toward the heavens. The fire symbolizes God’s grace, purifying power, and the Prophet’s zeal for the faith.
• The Figure of Saint Elijah: He is depicted seated in the chariot, his gaze often directed upward toward the opening heavens, from which the right hand of God extends in blessing. The Prophet is shown with a long gray beard and hair, dressed in a tunic and a heavy fur mantle (*milot*).
• The Prophet Elisha (at the bottom): Below the chariot, standing on the ground, is his disciple—the Holy Prophet Elisha. He looks upward with reverence and sorrow, reaching out his hands to catch Elijah’s falling mantle, which symbolizes the transmission of the prophetic gift and spiritual succession.
• The Landscape: The earthly realm at the base is depicted through rugged, steep cliffs and a desolate landscape, evoking the solitary and ascetic life that Elijah led.
• Color Symbolism: Fiery hues—red, orange, and gold—predominate, contrasting with the earthy browns and greens found in the lower portion of the icon. This icon is a symbol of victory over death, spiritual strength, and uncompromising faithfulness to God.