ORTHODOX ICON OF THE TREATMENT OF THE HEAD OF JOHN THE BAPTIST

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John the Baptist is the main figure of Orthodox Christianity; believers from all over the world bow before him. It was this man who laid his right hand on the Head of the Savior and completes the history of the Old Testament Church and opens the milestone of the New Testament. The miraculous face of John the Baptist is kept in the John the Baptist Convent.

Brief biography

6 months before the birth of Jesus Christ, John the Baptist was born. It was a late, long-awaited and begged-for child in the family. The young man spent his youth in an ascetic lifestyle; he lived for a long time in the desert, shutting himself off from the whole world. When the man turned 30, he began preaching and called people to faith and repentance in the Judean desert.

His sermons were terse, but had great power and influence on people. So after the sermons, many people came out to John and received Baptism in the waters of the Holy River Jordan. The preacher said that by receiving baptism from him, people were preparing to accept the Savior Jesus Christ, since it was He who would soon come, take upon himself all the sins of humanity and overthrow hell.

During sermons, the man was not afraid to tell people about the sinful relationship of King Herod with his brother’s wife Herodias. For such actions he was taken into custody and sentenced to death. But on the eve of his execution, the king was afraid of the people's anger, since the people revered the prophet. Herod's fear overpowered the hatred of Herodias, who was trying to kill the saint by any means.

The woman finally found a suitable way: on Herod’s name day, Herodias’ daughter, Salome, entertained the guests with sophisticated dances. The king really liked his niece’s dancing, and he invited her to ask him for everything she wanted. Herodiana persuaded her daughter, and the girl demanded the head of John the Baptist on a platter from Herod.

At the same moment, an executioner was sent to the dungeon, who beheaded the Baptist and served his honest head to the girl on a platter.

This day is celebrated every year in the liturgical calendar as the feast of the Beheading of John the Baptist.

Veneration of the Saint in Orthodoxy

Christians revere the saint who predicted the coming of the Savior and baptized Jesus Christ himself. Several holidays were established in John's honor. One of them is St. John's Day, which is celebrated every year on July 7th. On this day the Feast of the Nativity of the Baptist is celebrated. In October there is also a holiday dedicated to the conception of the Baptist. Another holiday is associated with a tragic event - the execution of the prophet. John's beheading is commemorated every year on September 11th. The Feast of the Synaxis of John the Baptist is celebrated on January 20. The opening festival is celebrated in March and June.

John the Baptist canonized. He is depicted on icons, we pray to him and venerate his relics. The name of the righteous man is mentioned in the petition immediately after the Mother of God. His holy relics are kept in monasteries on Mount Athos and in cathedrals in France.

Iconography

On the faces the Saint is depicted as a very thin man of average height. He appears to be approximately 32 years old. The face of a Jewish man, dark from constant exposure to the sun, emphasizes the holiness and righteousness of the preacher. The beard is of medium length, black, tousled and shaggy. The hair on the head is divided into strands. The clothes are sewn from camel wool and belted with a leather belt. The man’s right hand is a blessing, in his left he holds a scroll, with the help of which people were called to repentance. On the left shoulder there is a long Orthodox cross that looks like a staff. It symbolizes the imminent death on the Cross of the Creator of the World, Jesus Christ.

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The first icon with the face of the Saint was painted in the 6th century. He was depicted in full growth, alone, with a scroll in his hand. At the top of the icon, as well as on the left and right sides, medallions with the faces of the Mother of God and Jesus are depicted.

In the 11th century, craftsmen created the face of John the Baptist, in which the preacher is depicted bending towards Christ in prayer. He is depicted to the right of Christ; over time, icons were painted in which John stands to the left of the Savior.

In the 13th century, icon painters created the image of the “Angel of the Desert”, in which the Baptist is depicted with wings. This face means that God the Father said that he was sending His Angel to earth so that he would clear the way for the Savior of the World.

Baptism of Jesus Christ on the Jordan River

After six months of preaching, Jesus from Nazareth, the son of his mother’s friend Mary, came to John. He knew him as his relative according to the flesh, and that he was a very pious and bright person. But John could not even think that Jesus of Nazareth was the very Savior about whom he preached. But at that moment the Holy Spirit descended on the prophet and illuminated him with his light.

At that very moment, John felt something that he had not felt before. And he realized that the Lord his God was standing before him. Jesus asked to be baptized. To which the prophet was surprised and said that, on the contrary, the Lord should baptize him. But Christ silently entered the Jordan River, making it clear that his baptism was beginning. After the ceremony, he came out of the water. And at that very second the heavens opened, and John saw the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove, which announced that this was the Son of the Lord. From then on, all the prophet’s sermons were aimed at testifying to the existence of the Messiah, who was sent to earth to atone for all human sins.

But even after this, many did not believe that Christ was the Savior. Because he was humble and timid. There was also a belief that Elijah would come before the Savior appeared. Crowds of people came to John with their doubts. To which he answered them - Christ is the Savior, and he is only his servant, who is not worthy to untie the straps of his sandals.

One day, his disciples complained that Christ himself was already gathering disciples for himself, although, in their opinion, he should consider John a teacher. To which the prophet says that this is exactly how it should be, that Jesus should baptize everyone and prophesy about the liberation of sinful human souls. This was the last thing John said about Christ. And three of his disciples followed Christ at his insistence. Subsequently, they became apostles - Peter, John, Andrew the First-Created. The Savior spoke very warmly of John the Baptist. He honored him with such praises that no other person who lived on earth was awarded.

What does an icon help with?

For many centuries, people asked John the Baptist for help in getting rid of various misfortunes, and blessings in their endeavors, mainly these requests:

• about a strong and happy marriage;
• about help in finding a job;
• about protection from the intrigues of colleagues and the machinations of an evil leader;
• about protection from lies and slander of enemies;
• about healing head diseases and other ailments;
• about healing thoughts;
• about choosing the right path in life.

It is customary to give the face of the Saint to male representatives who received the name John during baptism.

The preacher helps beekeepers and is their patron. If you have a headache, praying in front of the icon will make the pain go away.

What do they ask for before the image?

Christians have prayed and worshiped the Holy Prophet for centuries. Believers sincerely believe that his most holy image has miraculous powers. There are several icons depicting the prophet. You can pray in front of any image, since each of them is consecrated by the power of God. The icon itself was created so that believers could conduct a monologue with the Almighty. Before the image of John, Christians ask for forgiveness of sins and intercession before the Savior.

People ask the prophet to heal them from physical and mental illnesses. John is believed to help people suffering from severe headaches. Christians ask the righteous man to help them find the right path in life and not deviate from it. It is customary to pray to a Baptist when there are problems in the family or when a loved one is terminally ill.

Everyone who prays to the Holy Prophet has the right to expect mercy. John is able to give peace of mind to the suffering. The righteous always helps those who sincerely regret their sins. Sometimes sinners have to bear punishment for their sins. John teaches patience and humility. In the end, a person does not always get what he wants. No saint is obliged to fulfill people's desires. Believers can only ask for mercy and forgiveness. Grace is considered the highest form of divine love.

Life situations in which the holy image helps:

• headache;
• severe and incurable diseases;
• family problems;
• internal problems;
• get rid of sinful thoughts;
• to be guided on the right path;
• to drive away enemies.

Christians believe that if they sincerely repent of their sins and pray in front of the holy image, their prayers will be heard. John himself and his life are an example to follow. Baptist helps people not to stray from the right path and remain faithful Christians until the end of their days. Believers ask him for intercession, people believe that thanks to his mercy they will be cleansed of their sins.

Prayer Rules

Reading a prayer to the Saint is an important vocabulary for an Orthodox believer. It is through her that love for Jesus, great faith and humility are transmitted, giving strength and hope for salvation to every believer.

You need to pray alone or with the whole family with a lit lamp or candle, because a family is a small church, so it is recommended to read prayers on holidays and before a festive feast.

What you need to know about prayer:

Before starting to read the prayer, you need to cross yourself, make three bows, and after that do the following:

• you need to read the prayer in a chant, but slowly;
• to delve into every word spoken;
• When you get tired, you shouldn’t look at your watch, stand until the end of the prayer, and don’t stop reading.

Everyone receives help from the Saint; only those who are evil at heart and do not do good are left without help; perhaps these people are asking for something that can harm other people.

Prayers for the Beheading of John the Baptist

Troparion to the Forerunner The memory of the righteous with praise, but the testimony of the Lord is sufficient for you, Forerunner: for you have shown that you are truly and most honorable of the prophets, as if you were worthy to baptize the Preached One in the streams. Moreover, having suffered for the truth, rejoicing, you preached the good news to those in hell of God, revealed in the flesh, taking away the sin of the world and giving us great mercy.

Kontakion to the Forerunner

The glorious beheading of the forerunner, a certain Divine sight, and the coming of the Savior was preached to those in hell; Let Herodia weep, having asked for lawless murder: for he did not love the law of God, nor the living age, but a feigned, temporary one.

The Greatness of the Forerunner

We magnify you, John the Baptist of the Savior, and honor all your honorable heads.

Where are the icons of the saint

Images of St. John are present in many churches in the country. The most famous icons are located in the St. John the Baptist Monastery at the Kitay-Gorod station and on Presnya in the Church of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist.

Some of the relics of the prophet are located in the Moscow region, in the Church of the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God in Vinogradovo and on Bolshaya Ordynka in the Church of St. Nicholas in the Wads.

Prayer for peace of mind

Life shocks and worries about loved ones often overwhelm a person. How to find peace in your soul? How to come to terms with losses? Prayer to John the Baptist helps to calm the soul.

Baptist of Christ, preacher of repentance, do not despise me who repents, but copulating with the heavenly ones, pray to the Lady for me, unworthy, sad, weak and sad, fallen into many troubles, burdened by the stormy thoughts of my mind. Because I am a den of evil deeds, with no end to sinful customs, my mind is nailed down by earthly things. What will I do? We don't know. And to whom shall I resort, that my soul may be saved? Only to you, Saint John, give the same name of grace, for you are before the Lord through the Mother of God greater than all those born, for you have been honored to touch the top of the King Christ, who takes away the sins of the world, the Lamb of God. Pray for my sinful soul, so that from now on, in the first ten hours, I will bear a good burden and accept recompense with the last. To her, the Baptist of Christ, an honest Forerunner, an extreme Prophet, the first martyr in grace, a teacher of fasters and hermits, a teacher of purity and a close friend of Christ! I pray to you, I come running to you: do not reject me from your intercession, but raise me up, cast down by many sins. Renew my soul with repentance,

as by the second baptism, you are the ruler of both: with baptism you wash away the original sin, and with repentance you cleanse every bad deed. Cleanse me, defiled by sins, and force me to enter, even if nothing bad enters, into the Kingdom of Heaven. Amen.

Prayer to John the Baptist for healing

To gain health and well-being, prayer to John the Baptist for healing helps. Prayer gives the mood to revive the body’s strength and resources and gives faith in recovery. The saint will definitely help you recover from a serious illness and restore your health.

Holy Forerunner and Baptist of Christ John! This preacher of repentance, do not despise us who repent, but pray to the Lord Christ for us, unworthy slaves, sad, weak, fallen into many sins. We fear death, but we are not sick of our sins and we do not care about the Kingdom of Heaven: but do not despise us, the Baptist of Christ, honorable Forerunner, born in pain of all, mentor of fasters and hermits, teacher of purity and neighbor of Christ. We pray to you, we resort to you: do not reject us who ask for your intercession, renew our souls with repentance, which is the second baptism: by your intercession before the Lord, ask for the cleansing of our sins. Unworthy lips cry out to you, and a humble soul prays, a contrite heart sighs from the depths: stretch out your most pure right hand and protect us from enemies visible and invisible. Hey, Lord Jesus Christ!

Prayers of Saint John the Baptist

Yours, more than Your Most Pure Mother, Our Lady Theotokos, save us, Your sinful servants, who repent of our sins. For You are the God of the repentant, and in You, the Savior, we place our hope, glorifying Your Most Holy Name, with Your Originless Father, and with Your Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Prayer to John the Baptist for children Mother and father wish the best for their children. It is fair for parents to want their children to live an easier and brighter life than they did. Problems between fathers and children do happen. Praying to John the Baptist for children will help you find a common language with your children, set them on the right path, achieve success in life, and protect them from all troubles and misfortunes. Honest Forerunner to the Baptist of Christ, ultimate prophet, first martyr, mentor of fasters and hermits, teacher of purity and neighbor of Christ! I pray to you, and when you come running, don’t deny me

from your intercession, do not forsake me, who have fallen through many sins; renew my soul with repentance, like a second baptism; Cleanse me, the sins of the defiled, and compel me to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven, even if nothing bad enters. Amen.

Prayer against drunkenness to Saint John the Baptist

Drunkenness is considered a great sin according to the canons of the Orthodox Church. A drinking person torments his family, sets the wrong example for the younger generation, and drinks away money and things from home. Prayer to John the Baptist against drunkenness. Start praying intensely to give up drunkenness, treat the patient.

Holy Forerunner and Baptist of Christ John! This preacher of repentance, do not despise us who repent, but pray to the Lord Christ for us, unworthy slaves, sad, weak, fallen into many sins. We fear death, but we are not sick of our sins and we do not care about the Kingdom of Heaven: but do not despise us, the Baptist of Christ, honorable Forerunner, born in pain of all, mentor of fasters and hermits, teacher of purity and neighbor of Christ. We pray to you, we resort to you: do not reject us who ask for your intercession, renew our souls with repentance, which is the second baptism: by your intercession before the Lord, ask for the cleansing of our sins. Unworthy lips cry out to you, and a humble soul prays, a contrite heart sighs from the depths: stretch out your most pure right hand and protect us from enemies visible and invisible. Hey, Lord Jesus Christ! Through the prayers of St. John Thy Baptist, and even more so of Thy Most Pure Mother, our Lady Theotokos, save us, Thy sinful servants who repent of our sins. For You are the God of the repentant, and in You, the Savior, we place our hope, glorifying Your Most Holy Name, with Your Originless Father, and with Your Most Holy and Good and Life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.

Holidays Several days a year the Orthodox Church venerates John: October 6 - the conception of the saint July 7 - the birth of John September 11 - the beheading March 9 - the 1st and 2nd finding of the head June 7 - the 3rd finding of the head. During these days of remembrance, prayers to John the Baptist will be the strongest.

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One of the most revered icons

In this icon, in the center on a platter, the severed head of John the Baptist is depicted with his eyes closed, hence the name of the icon of John the Baptist “Head on a Platter.” A halo is depicted above the head. This icon of John the Baptist is one of the most revered in the Orthodox world. And the head is depicted separately from the body, since it was buried separately from the body. According to legend, Herodias, fearing that if John’s body was buried together with his head, he might be resurrected, she ordered his body parts to be buried separately. But the wife of their then steward, John, knowing about this, hid her head in a vessel and buried it on the Mount of Olives. Over time, the ruler and his wife wanted to check where parts of the prophet were buried and went to the burial places. Not finding the head of the Forerunner, they decided that he had risen and was walking the earth in the guise of Christ. Scripture from the Gospel testifies to their errors.