Holy Prophet and Glorious Forerunner John the Baptist Beheading

29 August - The death of the Holy and Glorious Forerunner and Prophet John the Baptist is commemorated. The Holy and Glorious Forerunner and Prophet John the Baptist was beheaded at the order of King Herod at the request of the daughter of Herodias.

The story of his death is told in Mt. 14:3-12 and Mk. 6: 14-30.
At a birthday celebration for King Herod, the daughter of Herodias performed a dance. The king was delighted and promised her what she asked for. She asked her mother, Herodias, what she should ask for. Her mother told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist. Herodias did not like John the Baptist. John said that Herodias marriage to Herod was void because she had been married to Herod's brother Philip. The daughter of Herodias asked for the head of John the Baptist. King Herod was distressed about this request, but thought that he had to keep his promise. King Herod ordered the death of John and gave the head of John the Baptist on a platter to the daughter of Herodias. She gave it to her mother.
The story of his death is told in Mt. 14:3-12 and Mk. 6: 14-30.

John the Baptist's head was found three times.
Melkites believe that Head of John the Baptist is in the Omayyad Great Mosque, in Damascus. Pope John Paul II visited the Omayyad Great Mosque in May 2001. The Mosque was a Catholic Church dedicated to John the Baptist.

Saint John the Baptist

The Melkite Greek Catholic Church declared that The Holy Prophet and Glorious Forerunner John the Baptist was a Martyr and a Saint. He died for the sake of holy principles and God's commandments.

Kontakion, Troparion, Exapostilarion, and Vespers Sticheron

Troparion of the Head of Holy Prophet and Glorious Forerunner John the Baptist (Tone 4)

The head of the Forerunner arose from the earth like a star, sending out rays of healing and immortality. In heaven, it gathers together the choirs of angels, while on earth it assembles the human race in one voice to sing the glory of Christ God.

More information about the Holy and Glorious Forerunner and Prophet John the Baptist:

St. John of the Desert, Phoenix, AZ

Catholic Encyclopedia