Commemorated on October 17

Living in a world full of idol worshippers in the 8th century before Christ, Hosea kept his soul aligned and worked toward converting the people back to the one true God.

Hosea is known as the first of twelve minor prophets. Living in Israel, Christ was yet to come for another 800 years. He was given command from God to marry a prostitute, Gomer. Due to her reckless living she symbolized Israel, who were reckless with their faith and worshipped idols openly and without fear of the one true God. He was also commanded to marry an adulteress. She was again a symbol. Representing Judea of Jerusalem a place where they upheld the religion with priests and temples and appeared to be practicing with honor but also secretly worshipped idols. Just as the adulteress had her husband, but in secret also had other lovers.

Through the grace of the Holy Spirit, Hosea was given prophecies that predicted those of the Northern Kingdom of Israel would suffer at the hands of foreign invaders, which did come to pass.

He foretold the end of sacrifices in religious practice. He spoke for Christ coming out of Egypt and for His resurrection occurring on the third day, as Christ would conquer death. Hosea was also given wisdom that the Truth of God would spread through all the Earth.

All of these accounts are recorded in the Old Testament book of Hosea. He preached his prophecies throughout the land for over 6o years. Hosea was loyal to serving the one true God and fulfilling his plan. He lived to the age of 90 and rested his soul in 720 BC.

Troparion & Kontakion

Troparion — Tone 2

We celebrate the memory / of Your prophet Hosea, O Lord; / through him we beseech You: / save our souls.

Kontakion — Tone 4

Illumined by the Spirit, your heart was a vessel of illustrious prophecy, / seeing far-off things as though they were present. / Therefore, we venerate you, glorious prophet Hosea.