On July 7 (June 24 – Julian Calendar) the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the Nativity of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John. This event is beautifully described in the first chapter of the Gospel according to Saint Luke and brings in front of our eyes the events that the preceded John the Baptist’s birth. The vision of Zachariah in the temple. The announcement to Mary and her visit to Elizabeth. As well as the John’s birth itself which ended the silence of Zachariah who has been made mute by the angel for doubting in the word of the angel.

The gospel tells us that the parents of St. John the Baptist, Zachariah and Elizabeth were “both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless” (Luke 1:6). Yet they had no child “because Elizabeth was barren” (Luke 1:7). Yet in this affliction a great joy was revealed to them. A child, who will later baptize Our Lord Jesus himself in the river Jordan, was to be born from them. Not only removing the barrenness and the reproach that came with it, but foreshadowing the good news of the coming of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Celebrating this glorious feast we are reminded that some times good and God fearing people suffer from afflictions and misfortunes. But if we trust deeply in God’s providence, our suffering and affliction can be turned into joy and happiness.

Orthodox Christians around the world have developed deep love to Saint John the Baptist, building the churches to honor the Holy Prophet. Naming their children after the saint and praying with devotion and humility to John the Baptist.

Troparion Of The Feast
Prophet and Forerunner of the coming of Christ, although we cannot praise you worthily, we honor you in love at your nativity, for by it you ended your father’s silence and your mother’s barrenness,
proclaiming to the world the incarnation of the Son of God!

Kondakion of the Feast
Today the formerly barren woman gives birth to Christ¹s Forerunner, who is the fulfillment of every prophecy; for in the Jordan, when he laid his hand on the One foretold by the prophets, he was revealed as Prophet, Herald, and Forerunner of God the Word.