Synaxarium – Meskerem 2 / September 12

In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, one God, Amen

A long time ago, there lived a brave prophet named John the Baptist, the son of Zacharias the priest. John always told the truth, even when it was dangerous.

One day, he spoke against King Herod. The king had taken Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, and married her. John said firmly,
“It is not right for you to take your brother’s wife.”

Herod didn’t like this at all. He was angry, but he was also afraid of John, because he knew John was a holy man loved by the people. So, instead of hurting him right away, Herod had John locked up in prison.

Not long after, Herod’s birthday came. He threw a grand feast for all the important people of his kingdom. At the party, the daughter of Herodias danced before everyone, and Herod was so pleased that he made a promise:
“Ask me for anything—even half of my kingdom—and I will give it to you!”

The girl didn’t know what to ask for, so she ran to her mother. Herodias, filled with hate for John, whispered:
“Ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter.”

The girl hurried back and told the king. Herod was shocked and very sad, but he had made an oath in front of all his guests, and he did not want to look weak. So he gave the terrible order.

That day, John became a martyr for the truth. The soldiers cut off his head in prison. But something amazing happened—John’s holy head rose into the air and cried out loudly,
“It is not right for you to take your brother’s wife!”

Later, John’s disciples came and took his body with great care. They laid it in a grave until the time of Saint Athanasius, the Archbishop of Alexandria. God showed Athanasius where John’s body was hidden, and he placed it safely until a church could be built to honor the prophet.

May the prayers of Saint John the Baptist be with us all. Amen.

Glory be to God, Who is always glorified in His Saints. Amen.

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