HOLY PRIEST AND PROPHET ST. ZECHARIAH (SEP. 5TH)

St . Zechariah 

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West)

The Holy Prophet Zechariah, one of the twelve Minor Prophets, is known for his prophetic ministry during the post-exilic period of Israel’s history. He lived during the time when the Jewish people returned from the Babylonian captivity and began to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. His prophecies are preserved in the book that bears his name, where he calls the people to repentance and encourages them with visions of the future glory of Jerusalem. Zechariah’s prophecies are filled with apocalyptic imagery, messianic themes, and promises of God's ultimate redemption for His people, foretelling the coming of the Messiah in remarkable detail.

Zechariah was a priest as well as a prophet, and his role in the re-establishment of the Jewish religious system after the exile was significant. Working alongside contemporaries like Haggai, he helped inspire the people to complete the rebuilding of the temple, a central task in restoring their identity as God’s covenant people. His ministry not only addressed the physical restoration of the temple but also the spiritual renewal necessary for Israel to live in accordance with God’s law.

Theologically, Zechariah's significance extends beyond his own time. His prophecies include profound messianic expectations, particularly his vivid portrayal of a humble king riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9), a prophecy Christians understand to have been fulfilled in the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. He also speaks of the piercing of the One "whom they have pierced" (Zechariah 12:10), pointing forward to Christ’s crucifixion. These prophetic elements make Zechariah a critical figure in the unfolding of salvation history, as he stands on the threshold between the Old Covenant and the coming of the New.

In Judaism, Zechariah is revered as a prophet who, through his apocalyptic visions, spoke of God's sovereignty over the nations and the ultimate redemption of Israel. His messages emphasize God’s desire for justice and holiness among His people and His control over the events of history, including the final battle between good and evil. The vision of the cleansing of Joshua the high priest (Zechariah 3) symbolizes the need for purification and righteousness before the Lord, themes that are deeply embedded in Jewish eschatological hopes.

In Islamic tradition, Zechariah (Zakariyya) is also respected as a prophet, though his narrative is not as developed as in Judaism or Christianity. Some Islamic scholars identify his Old Testamental story with the father of John the Baptist, though this conflation with the New Testament figure is not universal. Nevertheless, his role as a prophet is acknowledged, particularly in his calls for repentance and justice, which resonate with broader Abrahamic teachings.

Philosophically, Zechariah’s prophetic visions raise important questions about the nature of divine revelation and human history. His apocalyptic imagery, filled with symbols of horses, lamps, and flying scrolls, invites reflection on how God communicates with humanity and reveals His will. Zechariah’s emphasis on repentance and righteousness as preconditions for God’s favor also underscores the moral dimension of prophecy, reminding believers that divine intervention in history is always accompanied by a call to ethical transformation.

Culturally, the legacy of Zechariah’s prophecies has profoundly shaped Christian thought and liturgical traditions. His messianic predictions are frequently cited during Advent and Holy Week, connecting his visions to the life and ministry of Christ. In art, Zechariah is often depicted holding a scroll, symbolizing his role as a prophet of hope and redemption. His writings continue to be read within the context of liturgical readings in both Eastern and Western Christian traditions, making him a bridge between the Old Testament prophecies and their fulfillment in the New.

COLLECT 

O Almighty God, who didst inspire Thy servant, the holy Prophet Zechariah, to proclaim visions of hope and the coming of Thy kingdom: Grant that we, by the same Spirit, may behold the fulfillment of Thy promises in the person of Thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, and be moved to repentance and righteousness; through the same Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.