St. John the Baptist

St. John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, was a prophet and preacher who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. Known for his powerful call to repentance, he was beheaded for condemning Herod’s immoral actions. He is one of the most revered biblical saints in Christianity.

St. John the Baptist is one of the most prominent and revered figures in Christianity. Born around 1 BC to the elderly couple Zechariah and Elizabeth, his birth was foretold by the angel Gabriel as a miracle. Elizabeth, his mother, was a cousin of the Virgin Mary, making John and Jesus relatives. His birth is celebrated as a divine event, as John was filled with the Holy Spirit even in his mother’s womb.

John’s mission was foretold by the prophet Isaiah, who spoke of a “voice crying out in the wilderness.” John lived an ascetic life in the desert, wearing camel’s hair and surviving on locusts and wild honey. He emerged as a powerful prophet, calling people to repentance and to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Messiah.

He baptized many in the Jordan River as a sign of spiritual cleansing and conversion, and his message was bold and uncompromising. He denounced hypocrisy, corruption, and immorality, challenging both common people and rulers alike. His most significant act was baptizing Jesus Christ, which marked the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. Though John hesitated, Jesus insisted, and during the baptism, the Holy Spirit descended as a dove and the voice of God the Father was heard, affirming Jesus as His beloved Son.

John recognized Jesus as the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. After Jesus began his ministry, John stepped back, saying, “He must increase; I must decrease.” His humility is considered a model for all Christians.

John’s prophetic mission eventually led to his imprisonment and death. He publicly condemned the marriage of King Herod Antipas to Herodias, his brother’s wife, which was considered unlawful. Herodias, harboring resentment, manipulated her daughter Salome to request John's head on a platter after dancing before Herod at a banquet. Though Herod was reluctant, he complied with the request, and John was beheaded around 30 AD.

St. John the Baptist holds a unique place in salvation history. He is the last prophet of the Old Testament and the first prophet of the New, serving as a bridge between the two covenants. Jesus Himself said, “Among those born of women, there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist” (Matthew 11:11).

His feast day on June 24 is one of the oldest liturgical feasts, traditionally celebrated six months before Christmas to reflect the biblical timeline, as John was born six months before Jesus. He is also honored on August 29, the day commemorating his martyrdom.

John is the patron saint of baptism, converts, tailors, and many countries and cities around the world. He is especially revered in Eastern Christianity, where he holds a role nearly equal to that of the apostles.

Feast Day

24-6-

Birth Date

24-6-1 BC

Died Date

29-8-30

Canonised Date

--N/A

Damascus, Syria

"Saint John the Baptist, forerunner of Christ, you who proclaimed the coming of the Savior and baptized Him in the Jordan River, help us to prepare our hearts for the Lord. Guide us to live with humility, courage, and faith, and may we always bear witness to the truth as you did. Pray for us, that we may grow in holiness and draw closer to God. Amen."
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

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ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST

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