Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Today, the Holy Church rejoices as she celebrates the glorious Nativity of the Forerunner, the greatest among those born of women, the voice crying out in the wilderness, preparing the way of the Lord. The birth of St. John the Baptist, which we commemorate with joy and reverence, is no ordinary birth, for it is filled with divine purpose, heralding the nearness of the Kingdom of God.
The Holy Scriptures testify that his conception was announced by the Archangel Gabriel to his father, the righteous Zechariah, who, in disbelief, was rendered speechless until the fulfillment of God’s promise. His mother, the venerable Elizabeth, conceived him in her old age, and when the Virgin Mother of God came to visit her, the unborn Forerunner leapt in her womb, filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth. From the very beginning, his life was set apart as a beacon of repentance and divine preparation.
Brothers and sisters, John was born not for himself but for the world—to be the herald of Christ, to turn the hearts of the people back to their God, to prepare them for the coming of the Messiah. His voice was like a trumpet in the wilderness, crying out, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!” And so, his entire life was one of self-denial, humility, and unwavering devotion to the truth. He was not clothed in the garments of kings, nor did he feast on rich foods, but he dwelled in the desert, clothed in camel’s hair, feeding on locusts and wild honey, teaching us the virtue of simplicity and detachment from the vanities of this world.
Yet, his greatest glory was his role as the one who pointed directly to Christ. When the Lamb of God came to be baptized, John did not seek to exalt himself but proclaimed, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” Such humility, such divine obedience, is the true mark of the saints.
On this radiant feast, let us take to heart the message of the Forerunner. Let us turn from sin and embrace the path of righteousness. Let us prepare our hearts, as he prepared the people of Israel, for the coming of the Lord into our lives. His voice still cries out to us today through the Holy Church, calling us to repentance, urging us to follow the Lamb wherever He goes.
May the intercessions of the glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John strengthen us in faith, guide us in humility, and prepare our souls for the eternal wedding feast of the Lamb.
To Christ our God, who was glorified in His holy Forerunner, be all glory, honor, and worship, together with His Father who is without beginning, and His all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages.
Amen.
