The Baptist John played a significant role in the life of the Jewish people, fulfilling the will of the Lord. Many religious holidays are associated with the holy prophet. One of them is the Cathedral of the Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John. This event is celebrated annually on January 20th. John the Baptist is an important figure not only in Orthodoxy. The Catholic Church also knows and honors this sinless prophet.
John the Baptist was the son of Elizabeth and the priest Zechariah. Already in his youth he preached, led a righteous life and followed asceticism. The holy prophet was chosen by Jesus Christ to be baptized in the waters of the Jordan River. John lived a sinless, pleasing to the Lord, but short life. He accepted his martyr's death, being beheaded. Together with John the Baptist, the Old Testament goes down in history and the New Testament originates.
Designation of the name of the holiday
John was revered by many respected people, so one of the daysJanuary was entirely dedicated to him. The word "cathedral" in the name of the holiday means the gathering of believers united in the name of the Lord on this important day. This event brings together and unites people in places of worship in order to thank the Almighty for help, to pray for deliverance from sin, and to pay respect to the Baptist. Every believer considers it his duty to dedicate this day to the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
On the day of the Council of John the Baptist, when reading a prayer, one should remember that one should not keep evil, self-interest or feelings of envy in the soul, that good deeds should be done only from a pure heart. Observing the old traditions, it is worth coming to the temple for a service, praying before the miraculous icon of the saint, and providing all possible assistance to those in need.
Baptism
The special celebration of the Cathedral of the Forerunner and John the Baptist takes place next after the day of the Baptism of the Lord. This is due to the fact that in the traditions of Orthodoxy it is customary to honor the names of those saints who played a significant role in the events of the previous great holiday.
January 20 is the end of fasting days. It is recommended to carry out on this day, as on the previous one, the rite of baptism. There is a popular belief that if it is carried out these days, then John the Baptist himself will be next to the performer of the sacrament.
In our country, as in other states, there are many temples built in honor of the great prophet. The Feast of the Forerunner is held here with special solemnity.
Birth Story
JohnThe Baptist, in whose honor the religious holiday of the Cathedral of John the Baptist and the Prophet was introduced, was a long-awaited son in the family. His father Zachariah and mother Elisaveta for many years prayed to the Almighty to send them children. And one day a miracle happened - the archangel Gabriel appeared to the priest in the church and brought the news of the imminent birth of a baby with the name John. The heavenly messenger was right. The baby was born six months before Christmas.
At the time when Jesus was born, John miraculously managed to avoid death at the hands of King Herod the Great, who killed countless children in order to deceive the terrible prophecy. Elizabeth, in order to hide from trouble, moved with her son to the desert near Hebron. At that time, Father Zakharia, who refused to reveal the whereabouts of his wife and the boy, was killed. The further life of John the Baptist was spent in prayers and fasting. He was distinguished by his desire for moral and religious goals.
Witness of a miracle
In the future, having lived to his thirtieth birthday, the saint begins to walk around different cities and environs of the country of Jordan and preach. He urged the people to reflect on their sinful lives, repent and be baptized. By his personal example, he taught people to live righteously and piously. The purpose of John the Baptist was to call people to the true faith.
St. John is called both the Forerunner and the Baptist. This is due to the fact that it was he who marked the recognition of Jesus Christ as the Son of God, seeing a miracle - the condescension of the Holy Spirit on him as a dove, accompanied bythe voice of the Most High from the open heavens. This event took place during the Baptism of the Messiah.
Martyrdom
John the Baptist was beheaded by the ruler of Herod Antipas at the request of Queen Herodias and her daughter Salome. He suffered for showing their sins and vices. Already dead, the righteous publicly denounced the adultery of the king. Then Herodias, having pierced her tongue with a needle, buried her head in an unclean place. Later, pious people reburied the shrine on the Mount of Olives in an earthen vessel. The body was buried in Sevastia.
One of the strongest in the Orthodox religion is the prayer to John the Baptist. The Christian faith calls to honor the memory of the holy prophet not only on church holidays associated with him, but also not to forget to turn on other days for help or with gratitude. The Cathedral of John the Baptist is a great and significant religious holiday for all believers.
