On this day, the mercy of God towards the pious and righteous parents of Saint John, the elder Zechariah and the old woman Elizabeth, who had prayed to God for a child all their lives, is celebrated; then the miracle of God's conception of Saint John in the womb of the elderly Elizabeth; and the wisdom of God in the economy of human salvation. God had especially great intentions with John: to be a prophet and Forerunner of Christ the Lord, the Savior of the world. Just as, through his angels, God announced the birth of Isaac from the childless Sarah, Samson from the childless Manoah and his wife, so he also announced the birth of John the Baptist from the childless Zechariah and Elizabeth. Truly, with God all things are possible. He created the world out of nothing, and Adam and Eve without any parents.

Holy Martyr Iraida. Holy New Martyr Nicholas of Pantopol. Holy New Martyr John.