On this day, we celebrate God’s mercy toward the pious and righteous parents of Saint John—the elderly Zechariah and Elizabeth, who had prayed to God for a child throughout their lives; the divine miracle of Saint John’s conception in Elizabeth’s aged womb; and God’s wisdom in the dispensation of human salvation. God held especially great intentions for John: that he should be the prophet and Forerunner of Christ the Lord, the Savior of the world. Just as God announced—through His angels—the birth of Isaac to the barren Sarah, and of Samson to the barren Manoah and his wife, so too did He announce the birth of John the Forerunner to the barren Zechariah and Elizabeth. With God, truly, all things are possible. He created the world out of nothing, and Adam and Eve without any parents.

Saint Martyr Iraida. Saint New Martyr Nicholas Pantopol. Saint New Martyr John.