Orthodox Icon of St. John the Forerunner

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August 29th
Troparion (Tone 2)
The memory of the just is mentioned with praise. As for you, O Forerunner, the Lord's witness is enough: indeed, you were greater than the prophets since you were found worthy to baptize in the waters the one they could but announce. You have fought for the sake of truth and proclaimed to those in hades that God who appeared in the flesh has taken away the sins of the world and bestowed his great mercy upon us.

St. John the Baptist was the son of Zachariah, a Temple priest, and his wife, Elizabeth, the cousin of the Theotokos. He was born when his parents were advanced in years, after a prophecy by an angel. He lived an ascetical life in the wilderness as an Old Testament Prophet, and he preached a message of repentance and of preparation for the coming of the Messiah and his Kingdom. He himself baptized Christ in the Jordan River and proclaimed Him as the Messiah. John was imprisoned for denouncing the incestuous union of Herod Antipas with Herodias. When Salome', Herodias' daughter, greatly pleased Herod with her dancing, he promised to give her whatever she wanted. Prompted by her mother, she demanded the head of St. John on a platter. He was immediately executed. He is depicted here with wings to signify that he was a messenger of God. He is carrying his head to show in what manner of death he glorified God.

This Icon is by the hand of Joanna Ferencz of Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Inscription in Greek.

Order # jfl-08