Prologue: hagiographies of the saints
 
 
 
 
 
 

Holy Prophet Zephaniah     12/16/2013

The holy Prophet Zephaniah was from the tribe of Simeon. He lived and prophesied in the VII century before Christ, during the reign of the pious Emperor Josiah. He was a contemporary of the holy Prophet Jeremiah. For his righteousness and his illumined mind elevated to God, he was found worthy to be granted the gift of prophecy. He foresaw the day of the Lord’s wrath, the punishment of Gaza, Ashkelon, Ammon, Ekron, Nineveh, Jerusalem and Egypt. He saw Jerusalem as “rebellious and polluted, the oppressing city! Her princes in her midst are roaring lions; Her judges are evening wolves; Her prophets – insolent, treacherous people; Her priests have polluted the sanctuary, they have done violence to the law “ (Chapter 3). When he foresaw the time of the coming of the Mesiah, he exclaimed in delight: “Sing, O daughter of Zion! Shout, O Israel! Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem!“ This prophet fell asleep in the Lord at the place of his birth waiting for the general Resurrection and his reward from God.