Saint John
The Forerunner and Baptist
January 7
Spiritual Significance
Saint John the Baptist is one of the greatest saints of the Church. He was chosen by God to prepare the world for the coming of Jesus Christ. Because he came before Christ to announce His arrival, the Church calls him the Forerunner.
John was born to the priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth through a miracle, when they were already old. From a young age he lived a life of prayer and simplicity in the wilderness, dedicating himself completely to God.
When the time came, John began preaching by the River Jordan. He called people to repentance and baptised them in the river as a sign that they were turning back to God. Many people came to hear him because his words were powerful and truthful.
When Jesus came to the Jordan, John recognised Him as the Son of God and baptised Him. At that moment the Holy Trinity was revealed: Christ stood in the water, the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and the voice of God the Father was heard from heaven.
John continued to speak boldly about truth and righteousness. Because he criticised the wrongdoing of King Herod, he was arrested and later put to death. The Church honours him as a great prophet and martyr who prepared the way for Christ.
Iconography
In icons, Saint John the Baptist is usually shown as a thin and rugged man with long hair and a beard, reflecting his life of prayer and fasting in the wilderness.
He often wears simple garments made of animal hair or rough clothing, reminding us that he lived in the desert and devoted his life completely to God rather than to worldly comfort.
Saint John is frequently shown pointing with his hand. This gesture reminds us of his words about Jesus: “Behold the Lamb of God.” His whole life was spent directing people toward Christ.
In many icons he also holds a scroll. The scroll represents his preaching and his call for people to repent and prepare their hearts for the coming of the Kingdom of God.
Because of his unique role in salvation history, Saint John the Baptist is one of the most honoured saints in the Orthodox Church and is remembered as the final prophet who announced the arrival of the Messiah.
Did You Know?
Saint John the Baptist is one of the few saints whose birth is celebrated by the Church. His Nativity is kept on 24 June, and the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist is remembered on 29 August.
Because he prepared the way for Christ, the Church honours him with several feast days throughout the year and calls him the Forerunner.