Memorial day of the holy prophet Obadiah

For Orthodox believers, December 2 — The day of honoring the memory of the holy prophet Obadiah. One of the 12 minor prophets, who was considered the patron of the hearth. His name in translation from Hebrew sounds like «servant of God», and the people called him Obadiah the Caretaker.

Avdiy lived in the 6th century. before Christmas, during the time of the collapse of the Jewish kingdom. He came from the small village of Vyfaram on Ephraim Mountain. From childhood, Obadiah was pious and believed in one God. Even after being the manager of the house of the evil Israeli king Ahab, he remained faithful to the Most High. When most of the Israelites betrayed the true God, began to worship the pagan deity Baal and persecuted the prophets, Obadiah secretly hid about a hundred people.

Three military units were sent to find the holy prophet Elijah. The leader of one of them was Abdiy. On the way, the Most High sent down heavenly fire on the two squads, and Obadiah had mercy on the army. After that, he left the royal service and became a disciple of St. Elijah. Soon Obadiah also developed the ability to prophesy.

In the collection of works of the Minor Prophets, the book of St. Obadiah ranks fourth. In it, he foresaw the downfall of the Edomite kingdom and salvation on Mount Zion.

Saint Obadius was buried in Samaria near his relatives.