On July 7, the Tuesday of the 6th Week after Pentecost, when the Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of the Honorable, Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord, Saint John, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in our parish church. The service was presided over by the rector of the parish, Archpriest Vadim Zakrevsky.
In his sermon, Fr. Vadim emphasized the special significance of the person and ministry of Saint John the Baptist for the entire Orthodox Church. He pointed out that Saint John was not only the prophet who foretold the coming of the Savior, but also the direct witness of the Messiah’s manifestation to the world. Thus, he became both the Forerunner of the Lord and the witness to the fulfillment of the ancient prophecies.
The exalted nature of Saint John the Baptist’s spiritual feat and his unique place in the history of salvation are also reflected in Orthodox iconography. On many icons, he is depicted standing beside the Savior and the Most Holy Theotokos, occupying the place of highest honor after Them.