Elias of Alexandroscene
One of the three sons of a proselyte, Alphaeus, and a Greek woman, Myrtica. Like his brothers Daniel and Philip, he is a prosperous merchant of Alexandroscene.
They suffer from being mixed blood and being despised for it:
"Better Galileans than Judaeans. Too much mould in the latter. They never forgive us for not having pure blood. It would be much better if their souls were pure."[1]
They have therefore been unable to find someone to marry.
They welcome Jesus and some disciples who can give them news of their sister Hermione of Antigonea, married to a servant of Lazarus, Dositheus.
The three brothers invite the crowd to listen to Jesus who speaks about the workers of the eleventh hour. This degenerates because of the enemies of Jesus. He is driven away and the brothers threatened.[2]
Apostolic journey[edit | edit source]
Elijah confesses his faith:
"«Can you believe that I am the Word of God?»
«It costs nothing to believe, particularly when one hopes that what one believes in can remove what makes us suffer.»
«That is true, Elias. But do not say that. It is an impure thought, much more impure than mixed blood. Do not rejoice at the hope that what makes you suffer as a man despised by other people may vanish, but rejoice at the hope of conquering the Kingdom of Heaven.»
«You are right. I am half a pagan, Lord…»
«Do not lose heart. I love you also and I have come for you, too.»"[3]
His name[edit | edit source]
Elijah (Èlyahou) means "my God is eternal". Historical reference: the very great prophet who was taken up in a chariot of fire.