Old-style Orthodox Christians mark Beheading of Saint John the Baptist

Chisinau, 11 September /MOLDPRES/ - The old-style Orthodox Christians today mark the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist. This is the last great holiday of the Church year and is regarded as fasting and prayer day, resembling the Good Friday.    

Holy religious services are held in most churches and the Christians should not eat.  

Following the Baptism of the Lord, Saint John the Baptist was jailed by King Herod Antipas of Galilee. According to the tradition, at a feast occasioned by the celebration of his birthday, Herod ordered the beheading of Saint John the Baptist, upon the demand of Herodias. Saint John was reproving Herod for his unlawfully taking Herodias, the wife of his brother. In her great hatred, Herodias advised Salome, his daughter, who danced and pleased the guests, especially Herod, to ask for the head of the Forerunner as reward. Although Herod was appalled by the request, he reluctantly agreed and executed Saint John the Baptist by beheading in the prison. Given that Herod was afraid that the Forerunner might be resurrected, if his head was buried nearby his body, he gave to the disciples only the body of the saint, which was buried in Sebaste, while Herodias buried his head in her court, deeply in the earth.