The Life and Legacy of Saint Basil the Great: A Champion of Orthodoxy and Charity
Saint Zachary: Father of John the Baptist and Patron Saint of Fathers, Tailors, and the Elderly
Photo by Damian Markutt on Unsplash
Saint Zachary was the father of John the Baptist, who was a prophet and a forerunner of Jesus Christ. Saint Zachary is venerated as a saint by the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, and he is considered the patron saint of fathers, tailors, and elderly people.
Unfortunately, there is limited information available about the life of Zachary. It is believed that he was raised by his father in the Judean wilderness and that he lived a life of asceticism and devotion to God. He is said to have been known for his wisdom and holiness, and many people sought his guidance for spiritual matters.
One of the most important events of Zachary's life is when the Angel Gabriel appeared to him, standing at the right of an altar. Zachary was troubled and afraid. Then the Angel Gabriel spoke, saying that a son was to be born to Zachary and his wife Elizabeth, and his name was to be John. Zachary found this hard to believe, for both he and Elizabeth were elderly. He was eventually convinced of the prophecy. Elizabeth conceived and gave birth to the one who was to be the Precursor of the Lord, John the Baptist.
The manner in which Saint Zachary died is not known, but he is remembered as a martyr for his faith. He is revered as a symbol of courage, faith, and devotion and he inspires us to live a life of holiness and devotion to God.
He was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church and his feast day is celebrated on November 5th.
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