Synaxis of the Holy Prophet & Forerunner John.

Synaxis of the Holy Prophet & Forerunner John

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29)

Although he baptized Jesus, in the Orthodox Church John is usually referred to as the “Forerunner” because his role was to “announce” the Messiah’s arrival. Much like someone who introduces a starring act, John wasn’t on center stage for very long. In fact, his ministry may have proceeded Jesus’ by only a couple of years. Yet in that short time, John managed to make a name for himself, gather disciples, call the Hebrews to repentance through baptism, and prepare Israel for the coming of the Christ.

Like Jesus, John also had a unique birth with an angelic introduction. Born into a priestly family John was probably expected to follow in his father’s footsteps as a temple priest, yet he chose to follow a much greater calling, that of prophet and a preacher: “a voice crying in the wilderness” calling the people to make ready for the Messiah.

His message resonated with the people because he looked and sounded like a prophet, in a day when prophets were little more than nostalgic characters from Jewish history. John urged everyone to repent, regardless of their conviction, rank, or position. He even had the courage to speak out and chastise Herod Antipas when he sinned by stealing his brother’s wife (Leviticus 18:16). This, then, led to his ultimate beheading but also to his place in the life of the Church and position in Heaven.

O Holy Prophet and Forerunner John, pray unto God for us!

Fr. John