Saint Zachary, father of John the Baptist

Saint Zachary, father of John the Baptist, was a Jewish priest of the division of Abijah. According to the Gospel of Luke, he and his wife Elizabeth were righteous before God and advanced in age without children until the angel Gabriel announced they would have a son. Zachary is known for his initial disbelief, which led to temporary muteness, but his faith was ultimately rewarded. He gave thanks to God through the canticle called the Benedictus after John's birth.