Saint John the Baptist

Sister Vassa is talking today about the holy, great and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord: St. John, the great saint of whom Christ Himself said, “among those born of women there has arisen no one greater“ (Mt 11:11). The Gospels describe John living in the wilderness, wearing clothes of camel‘s hair, and living on extremely frugal food. This great saint might strike some of us as very distant and difficult to relate to. But as exotic as his life may sound, John the Baptist is extremely popular in the Byzantine liturgical tradition, which is filled with prayers, hymns, and feasts dedicated to him. In January, the day after the Baptism of the Lord celebrates John the Baptist (Jan 7), on June 24 his birthday is celebrated; on August 29, his beheading; on September 23, his conception, and there are several other feasts in his honor. Beside those feasts, we remember John the Baptist every Tuesday. Yes, every Tuesday...