November 19

Reading

The Divine Scriptures do not tell us with any certainty when the Prophet Obadiah lived nor what was his homeland. Thus, some say that he is that Obadiah who was Ahab's steward, who, because of Jezebel's wrath, hid one hundred prophets in a cave and fed them with bread and water (III Kings 18:4), and that he later became a disciple of Elias the Prophet about 903 B.C. But others surmise from the words of the same prophetical book that he is somewhat later than Joel (celebrated on Oct. 19). He is also called Obdiu, or Abdiu, or Obadiah; his name means "servant of God." His book of prophecy, which consists of only one chapter, is ranked fourth among the minor Prophets.

Apolytikion of Prophet Obadiah

Second Tone

As we celebrate the memory of Thy Prophet Obadiach, O Lord, through him we beseech Thee to save our souls.

Kontakion of Prophet Obadiah

Plagal of the Fourth Tone

As a divinely-chosen Prophet, thou foretoldest things far off, that on Mount Sion salvation should come to pass, for Heaven's myst'ries shone on thee; as thou dwellest in Heaven with the Prophets, rejoicing in Christ whom ye foretold, entreat Him, O Obadiah, to save us, who honour thee with love.