We were truly blessed to have had His Eminence Archbishop Michael celebrate the Feast of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist here at St. John’s on June 24. Serving with His Eminence were V. Rev. John Kluchko, V. Rev. Baz Terence, V. Rev. Stephen Evanina and our own V. Rev. Maryan Chaykivsky and visiting sub-deacons and altar servers. Our wonderful choir was conducted by Daniel Kary. Afterward an exceptional brunch and fellowship followed when many parishioners and guests proceeded to the Royal Warsaw Restaurant.

The Church observes the day of his birth, June 24, as a feast day, an honor only shared by the Nativity of Our Lord on December 25 and the Nativity of His Mother, The Blessed Theotokos, on September 8. St. John, the Forerunner of Christ, was a great prophet, who baptized Christ and became one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox Church. He is the patron saint of godparents because he baptized Christ. The baptism marks the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. We here at St. John the Baptist R.O. Church, celebrate its name day.

On the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, we remember the joy that blessed the lives of Elizabeth and Zechariah in the birth of their son. “ And his father Zechari'ah was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying, (Luke 1:67)….. “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High; for you will go before the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people in the forgiveness of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God…. (Luke 1:76-78) Christians commonly refer to John as the precursor or forerunner of Jesus, since John announces Jesus’ coming. Orthodox churches often have an icon of St. John the Baptist in a place of honor on the iconostasis, and he is frequently mentioned during the Divine Services. Every Tuesday throughout the year is dedicated to his memory. We sometimes see John the Baptist in icons that refer to him as Angel of the Desert; and because of this title, he is sometimes depicted with wings.

Happy Feast Day and Happy Birthday John the Baptist! Pictures are in our Photo Gallery.