The Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John
Categories: hymns, feast-days
Date: 29 August 2009 12:11:22
Troparion (Tone 2):
The memory of the righteous is celebrated with hymns of praise,
but the Lord's testimony is sufficient for you, O Forerunner.
You were shown in truth to be the most honourable of the prophets,
for you were deemed worthy to baptize in the streams of the Jordan Him whom they foretold.
Therefore, having suffered for the truth with joy,
you proclaimed to those in Hades God who appeared in the flesh,
who takes away the sin of the world, and grants us great mercy.
Kontakion (Tone 5):
The glorious beheading of the Forerunner,
became an act of divine dispensation,
for he preached to those in Hades the coming of the Saviour.
Let Herodias lament, for she entreated lawless murder,
loving not the law of God, nor eternal life,
but that which is false and temporal.
Matins Gospel: Matthew 14:1-13
Epistle: Acts of the Apostles 13:25-33
Gospel: Mark 6:14-30
Today [August 29], the Orthodox Church commemorates the Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John, "the greatest born of women" as the Scriptures and the Orthodox hymography of the day state. St John is not only considered the Forerunner in terms of preparing the way for Christ on earth, but, as he died before Christ, he also preached to those in Hades the coming of the Saviour. The hymnography for today recalls all aspects of the life of St John; here are a sample:
During the celebration of shameless Herod's birthday, the terms of the oath to the wanton dancer were fulfilled, for the Baptist's head was cut off and carried like food on a platter and offered to those reclining at the loathsome banquet. Truly they feasted on wickedness and murder. But let us bless the Forerunner, as is his due, and honour him as the greatest born of women! You did rebuke kings, O Forerunner of the Saviour, that they might not act contrary to the law. But the frolicking of an iniquitous woman won over Herod to cut off your head. Therefore, is your name praised from the place of rising to the place of setting of the sun. And since you have favour with the Lord, beseech him ceaselessly for the salvation of our souls. Let us crown with songs of praise the Forerunner, known to be greater than the Prophets, and become foremost of the Apostles; for his head was cut off for the law of the Lord. The adulterous Herod cut your head off deceitfully, O Baptizer of the Lord and sower of purity, for he could not cut completely the reproach of your tongue.A blessed Feast Day to all.