Baptist John played a significant role in the life of the Jewish people, fulfilling the will of the Lord. There are many religious holidays 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 20. John the Baptist is an important person not only in Orthodoxy. The Catholic Church also knows and honors this sinless prophet.
John the Baptist was the son of Elizabeth and the holy minister of Zechariah. Already in his youth, he preached, led a righteous lifestyle and followed asceticism. The Holy Prophet was chosen by Jesus Christ to receive Baptism in the waters of the Jordan River. John lived a sinless, pleasing to the Lord, but short-lived life. He accepted his martyrdom, being beheaded. Together with John the Forerunner, the Old Testament goes down in history and the New begins.
Holiday name designation
John was revered by many respected people, so one of the days of January was completely 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 people together and places of worship in order to thank God for help, to pray for deliverance from sin, to pay homage to the Baptist. Every believer considers it his duty to devote this day to the son of Zechariah and Elizabeth.
On the day of St. John the Baptist Cathedral, when reading a prayer, one should remember that one should not keep evil, self-interest or envy in one’s soul, and that good deeds should be performed only from a pure heart. Observing the old traditions, it is worthwhile to come to the church to serve, to pray in front of the miraculous icon of the saint, to render all possible help to the needy.
Rite of baptism
A 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 ends fasting days. It is recommended that this day, as well as the previous one, a baptismal ceremony. It is a popular belief that if carried out these days, then John the Baptist himself will be next to the person performing 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
John the Baptist, in whose honor the religious holiday was introduced, the Cathedral of John the Baptist and the Prophet, was the long-awaited son in the family. His father Zachariah and mother Elizabeth for many years prayed to the Almighty to send children to them. And once a miracle happened - the archangel Gabriel appeared in the church and brought news of the imminent birth of a baby with his name John. The heavenly messenger was right. The baby was born six months before the birth of Christ.
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 a terrible prophecy. Elizabeth, to hide from trouble, moved with her son to the desert near Hebron. At that time, father Zachariah, who refused to tell about the whereabouts of his wife and boy, was killed. Further life of John the Baptist passed in prayers and fasting. He was distinguished by a desire for moral and religious goals.
Witness of a miracle
Later, having lived to his thirtieth birthday, the saint begins to walk in various cities and environs of the country of Jordan and preach. He urged people to reflect on their sinful lives, to repent and be baptized. By his own example, he taught people to live righteously and piously. The goal of John the Baptist was to call people to 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 indulgence of the Holy Spirit upon him as a dove, accompanied by the voice of the Most High from open heavens. This event occurred 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 revealing their sins and vices. Already being dead, the righteous publicly denounced the adultery of the king. Then Herodias, pricking the tongue with a needle, buried her head in an unclean place. Subsequently, pious people shrine was reburied on the Mount of Olives in an earthen vessel. The body was buried in Sevastia.
One of the strongest in the Orthodox religion is a 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 St. John the Baptist is a large and significant religious holiday for all believers.