“On January 7, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Cathedral of the Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John. This holiday is dedicated to the prophet who baptized Jesus Christ, and is intended to remind believers of his service, asceticism and spiritual devotion. The Cathedral of John the Baptist was established immediately after the feast of the Epiphany in order to mark his special role in preparing the people for the coming of the Savior. John the Baptist was born”, — write on: ua.news
On January 7, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Cathedral of the Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John. This holiday is dedicated to the prophet who baptized Jesus Christ, and is intended to remind believers of his service, asceticism and spiritual devotion.
The Cathedral of John the Baptist was established immediately after the Feast of the Epiphany in order to mark his special role in preparing the people for the coming of the Savior. John the Baptist was born in the family of the priest Zacharias and the righteous Elizabeth, spent his life in strict asceticism and preached repentance. It was he who baptized Jesus Christ in the Jordan River, placing his hand on the head of the Son of God.
“John the Forerunner was the voice of one calling in the wilderness, his life and ministry became an example of boundless humility and prophetic spirit,” church sources note. Veneration of this saint reminds believers of the importance of spiritual purity, repentance and service to one’s neighbor.
In folk traditions, January 7 was considered a day when it is worth thinking about one’s own actions and attitude towards others. People believed that prayers on this day help purify the soul, and good deeds performed will bring blessings for the year. Special attention was paid to water: it was believed that Jordan water and any water consecrated on this day has healing properties.
On this day, solemn services are held in churches, akathists are read and all the exploits of the saint are remembered. The Cathedral of John the Baptist is a reminder of the importance of a spiritual mentor who prepared the world for the coming of the Savior and set an example of sacrifice and faith.
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