The Cave of Prophet Elias

At a natural basin below the summit of Sinai there is a double chapel. The first chapel one enters is dedicated to the Prophet Elisseus (Elisha). From there, one enters into a second chapel, dedicated to the Prophet Elias (Elijah). This latter chapel is built at the site of a cave that is identified with the revelation of God to the holy Prophet, as it is recorded in III Kings 19:9-18 LXX (I Kings 19:9-18). “And, behold, a great and strong wind rending the mountains, and crushing the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake; but the Lord was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire the voice of a gentle breeze.” There was already a chapel at this site in the 4^th century.

Later sources also mention a Chapel of Saint Marina, but of this, only ruins survive. Venerable cyprus trees grow in the area.

Other Chapels

In addition to the chapels at the summit of Mount Sinai, and the double chapel dedicated to the Prophets Elias and Elisseus, there are the Chapel of Our Lady of the Steward (tou Oikonomou), and chapels dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, Saint Anne, Saint Panteleimon, and the Righteous Stephen. The furthermost chapel is dedicated to the Holy Cincture of the Virgin Mary.