Prophet Elijah in Cave

This traditional icon of Elijah combines several events from his momentous life: he sits in front of the cave of his encounter with God. He wears the Jewish prayer shawl around his neck, sign of a man of prayer. The hairy mantle of prophecy and the ochre robe of the monk complete his garments. He stands by the waters of Cherith, where he was sent by God during the years of drought, being fed by the raven God sent him. The mountainous landscape recalls Mount Carmel and the plant indicates that the wilderness flowers in the presence of holiness.