Nativity of John the Baptist - one of the great Christian holiday, which is celebrated annually on July 7th. John the Baptist - one of the main venerated saints after the Blessed Virgin Mary. What you can and can not do the believers that day.
Full name of the holiday Christmas honest glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John. Great holidays follow the 12th dvunadesyatnyh Christian holidays. None of the saints, but John the Baptist was not rewarded with such an honor to receive a holiday in honor of his birthday. July 7th believers remember the birth of the future prophet who predicted the coming to earth of Jesus Christ. John the Baptist - the one who goes ahead. Jesus Christ said of him: "Among those born of women there has not risen one (the Prophet) greater than John the Baptist" (Matthew 11:11).
Among all the prophets who lived on the earth, John was the last, predicting the coming of the Savior who would free the people of Israel. John called the Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist - Forerunner, because he was born into the world before (first in front) of Jesus. And the Baptist, because Jesus Christ was baptized in the Jordan River.
Future great Prophet and Forerunner Zecharia ben Yochanan (son of Zechariah) was born in a family of righteous Elizabeth and Zechariah and was a relative of Jesus on his mother's side, born 6 months before him.
The Gospel says that three months before giving birth to Elizabeth came Mary. Luke: "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and cried with a loud voice, and said:
"Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!
And whence is this to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? "
This prayer is called in the Orthodox Church, "Song of God", as in Catholicism - Magnificat.
John many years preparing for preaching and ministry, lived in the desert, held fast, and prayed, wore a simple rough clothes, ate honey and locusts (locusts). When he was thirty years old, the Lord told him to get out of the desert and preach to the people of the imminent coming of the Savior of - Jesus Christ.
John came to the Jordan River, which Jews traditionally perform religious ablutions and called people to repentance and baptism for the remission of sins.
When John baptized the people with the words: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven," to the Jordan River, Jesus came and also asked to baptize him, too.
On that the Prophet said: "I have need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" At the time of Jesus' baptism, he heard a voice from heaven: "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased."
What you need to do at the feast of John the Baptist
If you are a believer, you need to go to church to worship, or home to find time to read a prayer to John the Baptist
"Christ Baptist, Baptist honest, the first prophet and the first martyr, fasters and Desert mentor, teacher and close friend of purity Christ, I pray thee, and seek refuge with you, do not refuse your intercession, forsake me not fallen, renew my soul to repentance, as a second baptism. Cleanse me, Fel sins, and help win the kingdom of heaven. Amen".
As in every day, and this day especially, are very welcome any good deeds, any help to people, charity donations. And it is not only material assistance, but also the moral support of those in need.
What it is forbidden to do on St. John the Baptist
July 7 falls on time Petrov postTherefore, according to church rules should follow the reception of lean food, but this holiday is allowed dairy and fish products, as well as wine.
On the Nativity of St. John the Baptist is not allowed excesses in nothing: no food, no entertainment.
The Church does not impose a strict ban on sex in this day, but it is recommended to give up carnal pleasures, at least, on the eve of the feast and the feast of St John the Baptist himself.
As a true Christian, in this day and should not be negative emotions, but on the contrary, to be kind, not quarrel, do not swear, do not hurt and did not take offense at people who do not get angry, try to forgive the offenders of the net heart.
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