Old-style Orthodox Christians celebrate Saint John the Baptist

Chisinau, 20 January /MOLDPRES/ - The old-style Orthodox Christians today celebrate Saint John the Baptist, who baptized Jesus Christ in Jordan. The cycle of old-style winter holidays ends on 20 January.    

According to Church books, Saint John is also called the Forerunner, as is the one who announced the coming of Christ. Saint John was the son of Rabbi Zechariah and devout Elisabeth and his birth was announced by angels. Saint John was brought up in the desert, preparing for his great service through fasting and prayer. He lived there till the age of 30, when God called him to preach to the Jewish people. Sent to announce the good news of Christ’s arrival, Saint John fulfills his mission by baptizing Jesus Christ in the waters of Jordan. Saint John the Baptizer had a death of martyr; he was beheaded at an order by king Herod Antipas.       

On the day of the great holiday of Saint John the Baptizer, traditions have been preserved in Moldova’s villages, towns and cities for centuries. Food and white wine are blessed at the church, after which they are brought home or given to poor people, first of all, the ones who bear the name of John.  

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