Zecharia

Zecharia is a biblical figure mentioned in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. He is the father of John the Baptist and is known for his role in the Annunciation, where the angel Gabriel appeared to him to announce that his wife Elizabeth would give birth to John the Baptist. Zecharia was a priest in the temple in Jerusalem and was initially skeptical of the angel's message, as he and his wife were advanced in years. However, after the angel's visit, Zecharia was struck mute until the birth of his son, at which point his speech was restored. The story of Zecharia's encounter with the angel Gabriel is recounted in the Gospel of Luke, chapters 1 and 2. Zecharia's name means "Yahweh remembers" in Hebrew, reflecting the angel's words to him. His story is often interpreted as a symbol of faith and obedience, as well as a reminder of the power of divine intervention in human affairs.