Prophet of Pentecost: Elisha's Double Portion

The Holy Prophet Elisha lived in the 9th century BC, and was a native of the village of Abelmaum, near Jordan. By the command of the Lord, he was called to prophetic service by the holy Prophet Elias (July 20).

When it became time for the Prophet Elias to be taken up to Heaven, he said to Elisha, “Ask what I shall do for you, before I am taken from you.” Elisha boldly asked for a double portion of the grace of God: “Let there be a double portion of your spirit upon me...” The Prophet Elias said, “You have asked a hard thing; if you see me when I am taken from you, then so shall it be for you; but if you do not see me, it will not be so” (4 [2] Kings 2: 10).

As they went along the way talking, there appeared a fiery chariot and horses and separated them both. Elisha cried out, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen!” (4 Kings 2: 12). Picking up the mantle of his teacher which fell from the sky, Elisha received the power and prophetic gift of Elias...

The holy prophet worked numerous miracles. He divided the waters of the Jordan, having struck it with the mantle of the Prophet Elias; he made the waters of a Jericho Spring fit for drinking ...he delivered a poor widow from death by starvation through a miraculous increase of oil in a vessel. This Shunamite woman showing hospitality to the prophet was gladdened by the birth of a son through his prayer, and when the child died, he was raised back to life by the prophet...

The holy Prophet Elisha died in old age at Samaria. “In his life he worked miracles, and at death his works were marvelous” (Sir. 48: 15). A year after his death, a corpse was thrown into the prophet’s grave. As soon as the dead man touched Elisha’s bones, he came to life and stood up (4 Kings 13: 20-21) ...

Julian the Apostate (361-363) gave orders to burn the relics of the Prophet Elisha, Abdia (Obadiah) and John the Forerunner, but the holy relics were preserved by believers, and part of them were transferred to Alexandria. Eventually they made their way to the Monastery of St. Macarius in the Nitrian Desert.

An icon of the Prophet Elisha (bottom right).

Reliquary for Prophet Elisha and St. John the Forerunner: St. Macarius Monastery, Egypt

Relics of Prophet Elisha: St. Macarius Monastery, Egypt

Prophet Elisha is commemorated on June 14. Material for this post was prepared using this OCA site.