July 7 — The Nativity of John the Baptist: what is strictly forbidden to do
Every year in early July, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of John the Baptist, the most revered Christian saint after the Mother of God. He was one of the first prophets of the New Testament and the man who baptized Jesus in the Jordan River. Read about the miraculous birth of the saint and the traditions of his feast in the Izvestia article.
What is the date of the Nativity of John the Baptist in 2025?
The Nativity of John the Baptist is celebrated exactly six months before the Birth of Christ. In the Orthodox tradition, the celebration falls on July 7, and in the Catholic tradition — on June 24. The discrepancy in dates is due to the difference between the Julian and Gregorian calendars. The first is used by the Orthodox Church, and the second is used by the Catholic Church.
The special role of John the Baptist in Christian culture is indicated by the very name of the holiday in his honor. Usually, the church does not celebrate the birth, but the death of a saint or establishes a celebration associated with his relics (finding, transfer, etc.). The word "Christmas" occurs only three times in the church calendar.: These are the birth of Jesus (January 7), the birth of the Virgin (September 21) and John the Baptist.
Other holidays are also dedicated to the saint: the Conception on October 6, the Beheading on September 11, the Cathedral of John the Baptist on January 20, the first, second and third finding of the head of John the Baptist on March 9 and June 7, as well as the transfer of the saint's right hand from Malta to Gatchina on October 25.
The history of the feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist
The story of John the Baptist's birth is recorded in the Gospel of Luke. According to legend, priest Zachariah and his wife Elizabeth prayed to God for a long time for the birth of an heir, but their requests remained unanswered. Their wish came true only at an advanced age, when all hopes seemed exhausted.
One day, during a divine service in the Jerusalem Temple of Zachariah, the archangel Gabriel appeared and announced the imminent birth of a son, who would be named John. He predicted that the child would become a harbinger of the Savior. The priest doubted the angel's words, because he was already old and could not have children. For this, the heavenly messenger deprived him of speech and hearing.
At the appointed time, Elizabeth did give birth to a son, but her husband remained mute. On the day of circumcision and naming, according to Jewish tradition, relatives suggested naming the child after Zachariah. But the mother surprised everyone by announcing that the boy's name was John. When they asked my father, he motioned for a sign and wrote: "John is his name." At that moment, Zachariah was able to speak again, and he glorified God with joy.
Subsequently, when King Herod the Great learned of the birth of the Son of God, he ordered the killing of all infants under the age of two. Elizabeth fled with her son to the desert, while Zachariah remained in Jerusalem to continue serving in the temple. The king sent several soldiers to him to find out where the infant John and his mother were hiding. The priest replied that he did not know, and then the guards stabbed him with swords.
Elisaveta also died soon after, leaving her son in the care of the angels. John continued to live in the desert until his 30th birthday, when the Lord told him to return to the people and start preaching about Christ. So the saint came to the bank of the Jordan River, where he began to perform the rite of baptism. Soon Jesus himself appeared to him.
Traditions of the feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist in 2025
On the evening before the Nativity of John the Baptist, a large—scale divine service is held in churches - an all-night vigil. The Divine Liturgy is celebrated in the morning.
According to the church charter, any funeral and memorial prayers are prohibited on the holiday. Instead, believers are called to prayers of joy and repentance. During his lifetime, Saint John was an example of humility and abstinence, so he is usually asked for help in realizing his sins, strengthening faith and returning the lost to the true path.
The Nativity of John the Baptist in 2025: what can and cannot be done
On the day of the Nativity of John the Baptist, believers are encouraged to take part in a festive divine service. If this is not possible, you should set aside time for prayer at home.
It is also important to remember that the celebration falls on Peter's Fast, which lasts until the day of the Apostles Peter and Paul (July 12). Those who follow it should not eat meat, eggs and dairy products. At the same time, it is allowed to eat fish and seafood. On public holidays, it is allowed to drink a glass of red wine. However, it is better to give up strong alcohol and even more noisy feasts.
As on any other day, believers should refrain from quarrels, conflicts, foul language and negative thoughts. Doing household chores and working on the Nativity of John the Baptist is not prohibited, but work and daily chores should not take the spiritual meaning of the holiday into the background.
Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of Peter and Fevronia Muromsky Day.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
