From the tribe of Judah, born in the village of Morisi. He was a contemporary of the prophets Isaiah, Amos and Hosea and the Judean kings Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah. He distorted the vices of his people and false prophets. He foretold the downfall of Samaria. He also foretold the destruction of Jerusalem that would come because its leaders take bribes, the priests teach for a salary and the prophets divine for money. Of all his prophecies, the most important is about the Messiah, especially about the place of His birth. He designated Bethlehem as the place where the Messiah would be born. It is not known for sure whether he was killed by the Jews or whether he died peacefully. But it is known that he was buried in his village. His relics were found, together with the relics of the prophet Habakkuk, during the reign of Emperor Theodosius the Great.

Priest Martyr Markel, Bishop of Apamei. Great Lady's fast.