The Synaxis of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John
Posted: January 7, 2018 Filed under: The Eucharist and Living the Eucharist | Tags: St. John the Baptist directs us to Christ, St. John the Baptist identifies Christ as the Lamb of God., St. John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Lamb of God, St. Jonh the Baptist directs us to Christ's presence in the Eucharist., St. Mark 1: 1 - 4 and St. John the Baptist, The intercessions of St. John the Baptist, The ministry of St. John the Baptist Leave a comment
January 6 marks the Feast of Theophany for the Orthodox Church. Theophany commemorates Jesus’ baptism in the Jordan River by St. John the Baptist. The Third Antiphon of the feast proclaims the day’s theology:
When Thou, O Lord, wast baptized in the Jordan, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest! For the voice of the Father bare witness to Thee, and called Thee his beloved Son! And the Spirit, in the form of a dove, confirmed the truthfulness of his word. O Christ our God, who hast revealed Thyself and hast enlightened the world, glory to Thee.
St. John the Baptist
The following day focuses on the holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John. Such a day is called a Synaxis — the Church gathers together to commemorate the the feast’s “supporting actor(s). In his gospel, St. Mark writes of St. John’s purpose and ministry:
Behold, I will send my messenger before your face, who shall prepare your way: a voice crying in the wilderness, “Make ready the way of the Lord, make straight his paths.” John was baptizing in the wilderness and proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Mark: 1 – 4).
Father Irenaeus Williams 