Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Joyous feast! Today we commemorate the Nativity of St. John the Baptist, born to Sts. Zachariah and Elizabeth after their child-bearing years had ended. Even in the womb St. John witnessed to the Christ, leaping in St. Elizabeth's womb when she was visited by her relative, St. Mary.

Throughout St. Elizabeth's pregnancy her husband was unable to speak, but after the naming of St. John on the eighth day his speech was restored so that he could glorify God and prophesy concerning the coming of the Christ. More on today's feast can be found here. May St. John's blessing and prayers be with us all!

Relics of St. John the Baptist in Sofia, EU

The newly discovered relics of St. John the Baptist from eastern Bulgaria are being translated to the patriarchal Cathedral of St. Alexander of the Neva in Sofia this week. They will remain in the cathedral for three days for the veneration of the faithful prior to the new style beginning of the Prophets' Fast. The full press release can be found here.