St. Elias the Younger, also known as Elias of Enna, Elias of Salinas, and Giovanni Rachites, was a contemplative and spiritual guide in Southern Italy during the 9th century. He was born in 823 in Sicily and grew up during a time of turmoil when Muslim Saracens invaded his homeland.
To escape widespread persecution, Elias fled to Jerusalem where he received the monastic habit from the Patriarch of Jerusalem and took the name Elias. He embarked on a spiritual journey, first spending three years in a monastery at Sinai, immersing himself in prayer and contemplation. Seeking further spiritual growth, he embarked on an extensive pilgrimage to Alexandria, Persia, Antioch, and later, to both Rome and Constantinople where he deepened his connections to both the Roman and Byzantine Churches.
In 878, Elias decided to settle in Calabria where he embraced a life of simplicity and prayer, which became an inspiration to others. Recognized for his deep spirituality and wisdom, Elias founded a monastery near Salinas in 884, which became a center of spiritual guidance and teaching for others who sought counsel about their own spiritual journeys.
Elias died in 903 in Thessalonica and was laid to rest in the Salinas monastery, which was destroyed by an earthquake in the 18th century. The life of Saint Elias the Younger reflects his profound commitment to contemplation, spiritual guidance, teaching, and monasticism. His feast day is celebrated on August 17th.
An icon of St. Elias the New.
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