Saints and the Old Testament

[Pedro_1987]

I was just wondering, are any of the prophets described in the Old Testament canonized as saints? I’ve never heard of any of them being saints (such as St. Moses), but that could just be me not knowing much. If not, why aren’t any of them saints?

 

[latingirl]

I was just wondering, are any of the prophets described in the Old Testament canonized as saints? I’ve never heard of any of them being saints (such as St. Moses), but that could just be me not knowing much. If not, why aren’t any of them saints?

When Jesus descended to the dead, he allowed those who were righteous such as Moses, Jeremiah and the prophets to enter heaven. They are saints.

 

[drforjc]

The O.Carm’s (Carmelites of the Ancient Observance) celebrate the Solemnity of St. Elijah on 20 July and the obligatory memorial St. Elisha on 14 June.

 

[Alfonsus]

In Roman Martyrology we have several commemoration of Old Testament figures:
1 Dec, St. Nahum, Prophet.
4 Sept, St. Moses, Prophet and Law Giver.
20 August, St. Samuel, Prophet.
21 September, St. Jonah, Prophet.
for instance…

 

[markhiggins01]

I sometimes think there is an inadequacy in the Roman Missal/ Breviary in that it does not offer prefaces or commons for the Old Testament prophets, they are bunched in with ‘Holy Men’!

On the topic, Fr. Z’s blog has a good number of archival posts on some of the Old Testament saints featuring in the liturgy.

 

[Pedro_1987]

How come they aren’t as “advertised” as the other saints?

 

[Zekariya]

How come they aren’t as “advertised” as the other saints?

From what I have seen, the Old Testament Saints tend to be more popularly referred to as Saint [Name] in the Eastern Churches. The Byzantine Rite has the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers which is celebrated the second Sunday before Christmas. Adam and Eve, the Patriarchs, King David, King Solomon, the Prophets, etc, are all Saints.

My Patron Saint, Zechariah the prophet in the Old Testament has a Byzantine Rite feast day on February 8 and a Coptic Rite feast day on February 22.

Today (May 13) is the Coptic Rite feast day of St Jeremiah the Prophet