On this, the 23rd day of the month, we commemorate the conception of the holy and glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John...
Today in the Holy Orthodox Church we commemorate the conception of the honorable, glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John. On this day the mercy, miracles, and wisdom of God are celebrated:
- His mercy toward the devout and righteous parents of St. John, the aged Zacharias and Elizabeth, who all their lives had wished for and begged for a child from God;
- His miracle, that of John’s conception in the aged womb of Elizabeth;
- and His wisdom, in the dispensation of man’s salvation.
God had an especially great intention for John: namely, that he be the Prophet and Forerunner of Christ the Lord, the Savior of the world. Through His angels, God announced the births of Isaac to the childless Sarah, Samson to the childless wife of Manoah, and John the Forerunner to the childless Zacharias and Elizabeth. All of these were those for whom He had special intentions, and He foretold their birth through His angels.
By the intercessions of Your Saints, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen!
Join us again online this evening to pray the Small Paraklesis to the Theotokos at 6:00 pm via our Parish Website, Facebook, or GOARCH Smart TV app. More information below.
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