Byzantine Saints: The Beheading of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, & Baptist John (30 August)

About this sermon

On August 29, the Church commemorates the Beheading of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John. The Gospels of St. Matthew and St. Mark recount how this fearless preacher of repentance was imprisoned and executed for condemning the unlawful union of Herod Antipas and Herodias. Herod respected and feared John, knowing him to be a holy prophet. Nevertheless, during his birthday banquet, he became captivated by the dancing of Salome, the daughter of Herodias, and rashly promised to grant whatever she requested. Prompted by her mother, Salome demanded the head of St. John the Baptist upon a platter. Although troubled by the request, Herod valued his pride, oath, and reputation before his guests more than justice. He ordered the Holy Forerunner to be beheaded in prison. According to tradition, even after death John’s mouth proclaimed once again: “Herod, you should not have the wife of your brother Philip.” Herodias stabbed the prophet’s tongue and hid his head in an unclean place. The pious Joanna, wife of Herod’s steward Chuza, later recovered it and reverently buried it on the Mount of Olives. John’s disciples took his holy body and buried it at Sebastia. The feast is traditionally observed as a strict fast in the Orthodox Church, expressing Christian sorrow over the violent death of the Lord’s Forerunner. Some Orthodox cultures also preserve customs of avoiding round foods, knives, and food served upon flat plates. St. John the Baptist teaches us never to compromise God’s truth through fear, pride, or human respect. Holy Forerunner and Baptist John, pray for us! 00:00 The Beheading of St. John the Baptist 00:26 The Gospel accounts of his martyrdom 00:33 John imprisoned by Herod Antipas 00:48 Rome divides the Holy Land 00:57 John condemns Herod’s unlawful union 01:07 Herod’s birthday banquet 01:14 Salome dances before the guests 01:21 Herod makes a reckless oath 01:29 Herodias demands John’s head 01:36 Herod fears God and the people 01:43 The execution of the Holy Forerunner 01:50 John speaks after his beheading 02:04 Herodias attacks the prophet’s tongue 02:13 Joanna secretly preserves the holy head 02:21 The uncovering of John’s head 02:30 His disciples bury his holy body 02:39 Christ is mocked by Herod 02:46 The earthly judgment of Salome 03:16 Herod defeated and exiled 03:33 August 29 as a strict fast 03:40 Orthodox customs of the feast https://www.oca.org/saints/lives 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴 ✝️ SUPPORT THE MISSION 🙏 Donate https://sensusfidelium.com/donate-support/ 📬 Free Catholic Newsletter https://sensusfidelium.com/newsletter/ 📰 Read on Substack https://sensusfidelium.substack.com/ ──────────────────── 📺 WATCH & READ 📺 Sensus Fidelium App https://sensusfidelium.tv/ 📚 Sensus Fidelium Press https://sensusfideliumpress.com/ 👕 Official Merchandise https://sensusfidelium.com/merchandise/ ──────────────────── 🤝 PARTNER WITH US 📣 Advertise on Sensus Fidelium https://sensusfidelium.com/advertise-with-sensus-fidelium/ 🎤 Invite Steve Cunningham to Speak https://sensusfidelium.com/speaking/ ⛪ Parish Formation & Consultation https://sensusfidelium.com/for-parishes/ ──────────────────── 🌎 CATHOLIC COMMUNITY ✝️ Trusted Catholic Businesses https://sensusfidelium.com/catholic-businesses/ 🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴🔴

Topics

• Holiness