Holy Prophet and Glorious Forerunner John the Baptist

Biography

Holy Prophet and Glorious Forerunner John the Baptist is the one who pointed the way to Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ as the Messiah. Holy Prophet and Glorious Forerunner John the Baptist baptized Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Chris in the Jordan River for our salvation. Holy Prophet and Glorious Forerunner John the Baptist's actions are in the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

John the Baptist is called "Prophet" because he told that the Savior was to come.
John the Baptist is called "Forerunner" because he came immediately before Jesus Christ and announced Him as the Savior.

One of the Holy Prophet and Glorious Forerunner John's famous quotes is "He must increase; I must decrease." John 3:30.

On the ikonostasis, the ikon of Holy Prophet and Glorious Forerunner John the Baptist is always to the left of the ikon of Christ the Teacher. The reason is that Jesus Christ considered John the Baptist to be the greatest man who ever lived (Mt. 11:11, Luke 7:29). He is one of the three of whom we commemorate the conception, nativity, and falling asleep in the Lord. The other two are Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ and The Theotokos.

Conception of Elizabeth of the the Holy and Glorious Forerunner and Prophet John the Baptist

23 September - The conception of the Forerunner and Prophet John the Baptist is commemorated.
His parents were Zechariah, a priest, and Elizabeth.
Archangel Gabriel foretells to Zachary the birth of the Holy and Glorious Forerunner and Prophet John the Baptist.
The story of his conception and birth is told in Lk. 1:1-80.
Today is 6 months and 2 days before the commemoration of the Annunciation of theTheotokos (One of the Twelve Great Feasts, class 2).

Visitation of The Theotokos to Elizabeth after the Annunciation of The Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

The Visitation of The Theotokos to Elizabeth after the Annunciation of The Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary is not celebrated as a feast day.
The Gospel of the Visitation (Lk. 1:39-56) is read on 2 July for the commemoration of the Deposition of the Mantle (or Cincture) of the Theotokos at Blachernae in the year 458.

The Archangel Gabriel's visited to Mary and she became The Theotokos (Annunciation of The Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary). Also, the Archangel Gabriel told The Theotokos that her cousin Elizabeth was to have baby. The Theotokos went immediately to help her cousin. When The Theotokos met Elizabeth, The Holy Prophet and Glorious Forerunner John the Baptist recognized Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ and leaped with joy. Elizabeth understood her son's reaction. Mary stayed until after John the Baptist was born.

Nativity of the Holy and Glorious Forerunner and Prophet John the Baptist

24 June - The birth of the Holy and Glorious Forerunner and Prophet John the Baptist is commemorated.
His parents were Zechariah, a priest, and Elizabeth.
The story of his conception and birth is told in Lk. 1:1-80.
Today is 6 months and 1 day before the commemoration of the Nativity According to the Flesh of Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Troparion (tone 4)

Prophet and Forerunner of the coming of Christ, in spite of our eagerness to render you honor, we fall short when singing your praise. Your glorious birth saved your mother from the shame of barrenness, returned to your father the power of speech, and proclaimed to the world the Incarnation of the Son of God.

Second Day of Celebration of the Holy Theophany of the Lord and Synaxis in honor of the Holy and Glorious Forerunner and Prophet John the Baptist John the Baptist

7 January - John the Baptist is the one who pointed the way to Jesus as the Messiah and who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River for our salvation.

Beheading of the Holy and Glorious Forerunner and Prophet John the Baptist

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.

First and Second Discoveries of the head of the Holy and Glorious Forerunner and Prophet John the Baptist

24 February - The second discovery occurred under Emperors Valentinian and Marcian (450-457).

TROPARION OF THE HEAD OF 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.

Third Finding of the Head of the Holy and Glorious Forerunner and Prophet John the Baptist

25 May - In 823, the third discovery occurred. The head was transferred to Constantinople.

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

St. John of the Desert, Phoenix, AZ

Catholic Encyclopedia