My favorite verse is Ezekiel 25:17- "I will execute great vengeance on them with wrathful rebukes. Then they will know that I am the Lord, when I lay my vengeance upon them"
The Holy Prophet Ezekiel, a priest from the tribe of Levi and son of the priest Buzi, lived in the sixth century before Christ. Born in the city of Sarir, he was taken into Babylonian captivity at the age of twenty-five during the second invasion of Jerusalem by King Nebuchadnezzar. While living by the River Chebar in Babylon, Ezekiel received profound prophetic visions at the age of thirty. These included a dazzling, fiery cloud, four mysterious creatures each with four faces, and a heavenly throne with the appearance of sapphire, above which sat a human-like figure surrounded by a rainbow. The Church Fathers interpret these symbols as representations of the Evangelists, the Incarnation of Christ, and the divine light shared with all nations. This vision marked the beginning of Ezekiel’s mission to call Israel to repentance.
Ezekiel’s prophecies warned the Israelites of the consequences of their unfaithfulness, yet he also foretold their eventual return from exile and the restoration of the Temple. Two key visions stand out: the glorious Temple of the Lord, which foreshadowed the Church and the Virgin Birth, and the valley of dry bones, symbolizing the resurrection and new life through Christ. Gifted with the power of miracles, Ezekiel parted the River Chebar like Moses and prayed for sustenance during famine. His unwavering denunciation of idolatry led to his martyrdom—torn apart by wild horses on the orders of a Hebrew prince. Devout Jews buried him near Baghdad. His prophetic writings, found in the Old Testament, also emphasize personal responsibility before God: a righteous man who turns to sin will perish, but a sinner who repents and follows God's commandments will live.
Troparion — Tone 2
We celebrate the memory / of Your prophet Ezekiel, O Lord; / through him we entreat You, / save our souls.
Kontakion — Tone 4
(Podoben: “Today You have shown forth...”)Enlightened by the Spirit, your pure heart became the dwelling place of most splendid prophecy; / for you saw things far off as if they were near. / Therefore, we honor you, blessed and glorious Prophet Ezekiel.