Old ritualists celebrate beheading of Saint John the Baptist today
Orthodox Christians celebrate the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist today, September 11. He is also called the "Forerunner" because he announced the coming of the Savior. This holiday holds deep significance regarding repentance and is observed with strict fasting.
According to the Holy Scriptures, the evangelists Mark and Matthew recount that, by the order of Herod Antipas, the prophet John the Baptist was beheaded and his head was presented on a platter to Salome, the daughter of Herodias. Following this tragic event, the disciples of John buried his body in the city of Sebasteia. Tradition holds that those responsible for the murder faced severe punishments; Salome is said to have died in torment, while Herod was accused of treason.
In memory of John the Baptist's sacrifice, the Church encourages believers to spend this day in prayer and fasting. Popular tradition suggests that on this day, nothing should be cut with a knife; instead, everything should be broken by hand, and work should be stopped. Additionally, elders believe that from this date onward, the weather begins to cool.
The holiday also serves a commemorative purpose: believers remember all the defenders of faith and homeland who have sacrificed themselves throughout history.
