Elias' chariots

The Fiery Ascension of the Holy Prophet Elijah. Holy Trinity Orthodox (O.C.A. [Russian]). Parma.

And as they went on, walking and talking together, behold a fiery chariot, and fiery horses parted them both asunder: and Elias went up by a whirlwind into heaven. — IV Kings ii. 11.

 stained glass.  St. Ilie. St. Mary Romanian Orthodox. Cleveland.

20 July is St. Elias (various spellings). He is a prophet in the Old Testament, the second forerunner of Christ. He was taken up to heaven in a fiery chariot. Artistic license has some latitude in depicting this. The eastern churches have more enthusiasm for him, and the blessing of vehicles and their drivers done after his example. The 'Lazarus parish' of St. Casimir Cleveland has instituted a new parish tradition after its re-opening by Vatican decree. This is the second year they have done the blessing. One fellow was asked about his car, he also is part of St. Mary Byzantine Cleveland. He said that he is getting his car blessed to-morrow there. To-morrow is St. Elias proper, to-day is the day before, but St. Casimir's is not having Mass to-morrow. One can have a vehicle blessed more than once.

  St. Casimir Roman [Polish]. Cleveland. Vehicle blessing in honor of St. Elias.

 baby carriages are also vehicles

and for people who did not drive through