Icon "Saint Prophet Elijah"

The icon has the "flesh" areas of the Holy Prophet Elijah painted, with everything else worked in relief on a silver-toned metal riza. At the center of the composition is a full-length image of the Prophet, in a three-quarter turn to the right (head to the left), seated on a rock in a cave on Mount Horeb, looking at a bird with bread in its beak flying toward the cave (the bird, in gold, is applied at the upper left). The Prophet is barefoot, wearing a sheepskin cloak — a melote — with a leather belt, and leans on a staff. Around his head is an applied, shaped metal halo in gold with a floral ornament. On the riza, Elijah's figure in the cave is surrounded by a symbolic depiction of trees. Around the perimeter of the riza is a wide frame with a geometric "cross" ornament, with flowers set within circles at the corners. Above the depiction of the trees is the Church Slavonic inscription: "Holy Prophet Elijah." On the reverse, the panel is reinforced with two inset horizontal battens.

The icon was painted in the 16th century, and the riza made in the 19th century. The icon belonged to the pre-war collection of the Sloboda Ukraine Museum named after H. S. Skovoroda.

Legend: the Holy Prophet Elijah was born in the town of Tishbe around 900 BC. From his youth he led a strict, ascetic life, devoted to God. Elijah actively opposed the idolatry that prevailed under King Ahab and his wife Jezebel. At the Prophet Elijah's prayer, a miracle occurred on Mount Carmel: fire descended from heaven onto the altar, proving that the Lord is the true God. Many people then renounced idolatry. Also at his prayer, the long-awaited rain came and the drought ended. The Prophet Elijah did not die but ascended alive into heaven on a fiery chariot, surrounded by angels. The Holy Prophet Elijah is prayed to for rain during drought, and for protection from dangerous natural disasters (thunder, lightning, storms). The faithful ask him for health, family happiness, a good harvest, and peace.