Prophet Samuel
June 14, 2022
The Great Prophet Samuel died on June 16 which is commemorated in Holy Church. The name of the father of this Saint was “Elkanah,” of the tribe of Levi, and of the family of Aaron the priest. The name of his mother was Hanna and she was barren. Because of her prayer and entreaty to God at all times, He gave her this Prophet, and she raised him up in her house for three years. Then she took him to the Temple of God, accordingly as she had vowed before conceiving him. He ministered to Eli the priest until he reached man’s estate. The sons of Eli made corrupt their service and they forced the children of Israel in respect of their offerings. God sent a message by the prophet to Eli, and said to him, “Behold, I abominate your sons, and all your seed from the priesthood. I will raise up a faithful high priest who shall do My good pleasure all the days of his life.” Then, God rose up this great Prophet Samuel.
When Eli became old, God called Samuel one night when he was lying down, and Samuel thought it was Eli who called him, for he had not known a vision from God. Samuel rose up, and came to Eli the priest. He then said to him, “My lord, did you call me?” Eli said to him, “No. Go, lie down.”
When Samuel went and lay down. God called him a second time, and a third time. So, he went to Eli though God called him. Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and if He call you again say to Him, ‘Speak Lord, for your servant hear.’” When Samuel went [and lay down], and the voice from God called him, saying, “Samuel, Samuel,” he said to Him, “Speak my Lord; your servant hear your voice.” God spoke to him the same words, which He had spoken to Eli the priest, concerning the evil, which his sons had done, His wish about the sons of Eli and the children of Israel.
After this, God commanded the Prophet to anoint Saul, the son of Kish, king over the children of Israel. When Saul transgressed the commandment of God He commanded this Prophet to anoint David, the son of Jesse, [over Israel]. Samuel ruled Israel for forty years and died in peace.
They celebrated his festival on the twenty-sixth day of the month of June, which is the day whereon God called Samuel, and commanded him. This prophet prophesied ten hundred and thirty-five years before the Incarnation of our Lord.
May God grant us mercy through Prophet Samuel’s intercession, Amen!
Source: The Ethiopian Synaxarium page 561-562