Brief Synopsis
St. John
was the son of the Prophet Zacharias and Elizabeth, who was a
kinswoman of the Virgin Mary. St. John is known as the “Forerunner”
and “Baptist.” He is known as the Forerunner because he preceded
Christ and taught repentance, which prepared men for Jesus’
teaching and His ministry. He even recognized Christ as the Messiah
as early as when they were both still in their mothers’ wombs.
According to Holy Tradition, the Virgin Mary went to visit her cousin
Elizabeth and when they embraced John leapt in his mother’s womb,
which is considered his first acknowledgment of Christ as Messiah.
After
his birth, St. John’s father Zacharias was murdered in the temple.
He and his mother fled to the desert and he was raised there. Thus he
lived as an ascetic from the earliest part of his life. He ate plants
and roots and wore rough clothing. When he grew, he baptized people
in the Jordan, teaching repentance, but also saying that someone
greater would come after him and baptize with the Holy Spirit.
St. John
always spoke the Truth and because Herod did not appreciate his
criticism, he was imprisoned. Later he was beheaded, as the result of
a promise Herod gave to his step-daughter to give her anything she
asked. The daughter was convinced by her mother to ask for John’s
head on a platter. Our parish celebrates the feast of St. John’s
Beheading as our patronal feast day. It is a strict fast day in
recognition of the way in which he died, but it is also a joyous
feast day because John’s life was such a luminous example for
monastics, martyrs and all Christians to follow him.
Hymn of St. John the Baptist (2nd Mode)
The
memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise, * but the
Lord’s testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner; * for thou
hast proved to be truly more venerable than the Prophets, * since
thou wast granted to baptize in the stream * Him Whom they
proclaimed. * Wherefore having contested for the truth, * thou didst
rejoice to announce the good tidings * even to those in Hades: * that
God hath appeared in the flesh, * taking away the sin of the world *
and granting us His great mercy.
Feast Days of St. John the Baptist
September
23rd – Conception of St. John
January
7th – Synaxis of St. John
February
24th – 1st & 2nd Findings of the head of St. John
May 25th
– 3rd Finding of the head of St. John
June
24th – Nativity of St. John
August
29th – Beheading of St. John
Source:
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Dear
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Glory to
Jesus Christ! Glory to Him forever!
As a previous donor to St. Irene Orthodox Mission Centre, Kenya, you know our commitment to offer “basic education and a feeding programme to orphans and other vulnerable children.” Thank you for your previous gifts. They have made a significant difference to the children and the overall ministry. We are very grateful for the great support you have accorded us, which brings me to the purpose of this letter.
St. Irene Orthodox Mission Center is working towards being self-reliant and self-sustaining. In the Gospel of Saint Matthew, we learn that “Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these. When He had placed His hands on them, He went on from there.”
Like Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, it is our goal to bring more children to Jesus Christ, to provide clean water and food, to clothe them and accommodate as many orphan children as God brings to us. In this way, with God’s help, we can raise them up to be strong in the Lord and strong in their lives.
With your regular donation, we will be able to initiate income-generating activities and programmes to achieve that goal. Will you please consider being a partner with us to achieve that goal by being a regular monthly donor? If so, please let me know.
I pray that may Almighty God continue to bless you from one glory to another.
I look forward to hearing from you and receiving your
continued support.
Your and His Servant,
Your and His Servant,
Fr.
Constantinos Eliud
Director
& Priest-in-Charge
