Synaxis of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John
Commemorated on January 7.
When the Russian Tsar Paul I (1796-1801) became Grand Master of the Maltese Order in honor of the holy Prophet John, the right hand of the Baptist, part of the Life-Creating Cross and the Philermos Icon (October 12) of the Mother of God (from Mt Philermos on the island of Rhodes) were transferred in 1799 from the island of Malta to Russia [because of the Napoleonic threat], to the chapel at Gatchina (October 12). In the same year these sacred items were transferred into the church dedicated to the Icon of the Savior Not Made by Hands at the Winter Palace. A special service was composed for this Feast.
Besides the Synaxis of the honorable, glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates his memory on the following days: September 23, his Conception ; June 24, his Nativity ; August 29, his Beheading ; February 24, the First and Second Finding of his Head ; May 25, the Third Finding of his Head ; October 12, the Transfer of his Right Hand from Malta to Gatchina (1799).
Troparion
The memory of the righteous is celebrated with hymns of praise,
but the Lord’s testimony is sufficient for you, O Forerunner.
You were shown in truth to be the most honorable of the prophets,
for you were deemed worthy to baptize in the streams of the Jordan Him whom they foretold.
Therefore, having suffered for the truth with joy,
you proclaimed to those in hell God who appeared in the flesh,
who takes away the sin of the world, and grants us great mercy.
Kontakion
The river Jordan trembled and was driven back filled with fear at Your coming in the flesh,
while John drew back in awe as he fulfilled the ministry of a prophet.
The ranks of angels stood amazed,
when they beheld You in the flesh being baptized in the streams.
And we, who were in darkness, are filled with light as we praise You,
who have appeared to enlighten all.