After the end of the Christmas and New Year holidays, on January 20, believers celebrate an important event – Celebration of the Cathedral of the Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John. This holiday is one of six that commemorate revered saints.

In the Gospel, it is stated that John was born in the family of the clergyman Zacharias and the righteous Elizabeth of royal blood (belonging to the Mother of God) near Hebron, south of Jerusalem. The boy was born half a year before Christ, thanks to God’s grace he was able to avoid death during the slaughter of the Bethlehem babies. John spent his life in the desert, preparing to serve the Lord, fasting and praying a lot. At the age of 30, the Lord called Ivan to preach to the people of Israel.

John fulfilled his calling, appeared on the Jordan River to prepare the people for the coming of Christ. He preached repentance, baptism for the remission of sins. Later, Jesus himself appeared in the Jordan to be baptized. It was John who baptized his friend Jesus Christ in the Jordan, which is why he got the name Baptist. The Forerunner paid for his devotion to Christ and his teachings with his life. For his brave actions and exposure of the sinful connections of the godless king Herod, the Forerunner was executed by beheading. Some of his relics are in Sevastia.

Orthodox parishioners have a particularly reverent attitude towards this Saint. He is commemorated during the church year on six important dates, in particular, January 20 – the Day of the Council of the Forerunners.

John the Baptist is a giant of the spirit, standing firmly on the border of the Old and New Testaments. He seems to be the final link of the prophets and opens the apostles. This is not only a prophet, but also the Great Martyr, Forerunner and Baptist of Jesus.