Holy Prophet Hosea — October 17 / October 30 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, October 17 according to the Julian Calendar (October 30 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates Holy Prophet Hosea.

The Prophet Hosea lived in the ninth century before the birth of Christ in the kingdom of Israel, and was a contemporary of the holy prophets Isaiah, Micah and Amos. In his time many of his countrymen had turned their backs on the true God and worshipped idols. The holy prophet, with his wise admonitions, called the erring back to godliness.

He also prophesied the exile of the Hebrews into Assyrian captivity. Many centuries before the Incarnation of the Savior, Saint Hosea, by the grace of the Holy Spirit, foresaw that the sacrifices of the Old Covenant would cease and that the knowledge of the true God would spread throughout the world (Hosea 2:20). Hosea prophesied the Savior’s return from Egypt (Hosea 11:1), His Resurrection on the third day (Hosea 6), and the defeat of death (Hosea 13:14). The saint’s prophecies are included among the books of the Old Testament.

The prophetic ministry of the blessed Hosea lasted more than sixty years. In deep old age he gave up his soul to the Lord.