Mount Athos weathered lithography (icon) of Beheading of Saint John the Baptist in pine wood with carved decoration.

Saint John the Baptist was the son of the priest Zacharias and Elizabeth. He was named Forerunner because by his word he prepared the way of Jesus Christ and Baptist because he baptized Christians in the Jordan River. She was a relative of Christ and lived an ascetic life in the desert. He preached the Word of God with passion and criticized the immorality and Pharisaism of the time. In fact, he did not hesitate to harshly criticize the ruler of Judea, Herod Antipas, who had an illicit relationship with Herodias, his brother's husband.

Saint John was imprisoned for his action by Herod Antipas and at the urging of Salome, daughter of Herodias, his beheading was ordered. The Forerunner was buried in the city of Sevasti and the Holy Hand of the Baptist was transported to Constantinople where it was placed in the imperial palaces. The Orthodox Christian Church celebrates the Beheading of Saint John the Forerunner on August 29 of each year.

Apolytikion of Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

Second Tone

The memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise, but the Lord's testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner; for thou hast proved to be truly even more venerable than the Prophets, since thou was granted to baptize in the running waters Him Whom they proclaimed. Wherefore, having contested for the truth, thou didst rejoice to announce the good tidings even to those in Hades: that God hath appeared in the flesh, taking away the sin of the world and granting us great mercy.