Saints Elizabeth and Zachariah were the parents of John the Baptist.

Elizabeth was a relative of Mary, the Mother of God. Although the exact family connection is not known, tradition often describes them as cousins.

According to the Gospel of Luke, Elizabeth was a righteous woman in God’s sight but was unable to have children for most of her life. In her old age, the Angel Gabriel appeared to her husband, Zachariah, while he was serving in the Temple and announced that they would have a son.

Elizabeth is best remembered for her joyful words that became part of the “Hail Mary” prayer. When Mary, who was expecting Jesus, visited her, Elizabeth felt her own child leap in her womb and exclaimed in praise. After the birth and circumcision of John the Baptist, Scripture does not mention her again.

Zachariah, meanwhile, was told by the Angel Gabriel that his wife would bear a son who would “bring back many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God.” Doubting the message because of Elizabeth’s age, Zachariah was struck mute as a sign. When he left the Temple, those present realized he had seen a vision. His speech was restored only after John’s birth, when he confirmed the child’s name in writing.