Saint Elizabeth mother of John the Baptist
Saint Elizabeth is an important religious figure in the Christian world, known mainly from the events mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. She is considered the mother of John the Baptist and a relative of the Virgin Mary.
Elizabeth and her husband Zacharias are described in the gospels as “righteous before God” (Luke 1:6), faithfully observing the commandments and rules of the Lord. Despite their piety, Elizabeth was childless for many years, which was a great challenge for a couple of that time.
Elizabeth’s miraculous conception is a central event in her history. As recorded in the Gospel of Luke, the angel Gabriel appeared to Zechariah during his priestly service in the temple and announced to him that Elizabeth would conceive a child who would be named John (Luke 1:13). This conception, as well as the birth of John, were considered divine signs and answers to the couple’s prayers.
One of the most important events in the life of Saint Elizabeth was the visit of the Virgin Mary, who had just conceived Jesus by divine intervention. During their meeting, Elizabeth, full of the Holy Spirit, recognized Mary’s pregnancy and called her “the mother of my Lord” (Luke 1:43), while the child she was carrying began to jump in her womb, a sign of his future mission .
Saint Elizabeth is honored for her faith, patience and piety that she demonstrated through the trials of her life. It is a model of faith and divine protection, an example of mutual support and love between relatives. Her memory is commemorated on November 5 in Eastern Orthodoxy and June 23 in Western Christianity, and her life and work continue to inspire believers around the world.