On the day after Epiphany, it was established to celebrate the memory of the holy prophet John Prodromos.
John was the son of priest Zacharias and Elizabeth. Until his thirties, he lives an ascetic life in the Judean desert, devoted entirely to prayer, study, and spiritual and moral perfection. His clothing was of camel's hair, around his waist was a leather belt, and his food consisted of locusts and wild honey.
With a sunburned appearance, serious, dignified and dynamic, Ioannis immediately revealed an extraordinary and wonderful physiognomy. He had all the qualities of a great and imposing preacher of the divine word. Thus, with great grace he preached "to the multitudes." He blasted and smote the Pharisaic haughty arrogance, which under the outer garment of false holiness hid the most disgusting wounds of mental cruelty and impurity.
In general, his teaching is summarized in his characteristic phrase: "Repent; enter the kingdom of heaven", thus preparing the way for our Lord Jesus Christ for His saving work. When Christ began his public activity, the world was slowly leaving John and following Him. This reversal, of course, would cause great bitterness and give birth to thorns of jealousy and envy in a teacher or philosopher, outside of the Christian spirit. On the contrary, it caused John great joy and cheerfulness. This feast of John the Forerunner, about whom the Lord said that no man was greater than him, was established in the 5th AD. century.
John the Forerunner and Baptist is one of the most popular saints in Greece. He is considered the patron and guardian of the piggy bank and those suffering from malaria. His name is one of the most common baptismal names and is a derivative of many surnames. A large number of churches and chapels bear his name, as well as hundreds of settlements.
His memory is honored by Christianity six times a year:
January 7, Synagogue of the Holy Prophet Forerunner and John the Baptist.
February 24, First and Second Finding of the holy head of the holy prophet, forerunner and baptist John.
May 25, Third Finding of the holy head of the holy prophet, forerunner and baptist John.
June 24, Birthday of the Holy Prophet Forerunner and John the Baptist. On the eve of the holiday, pyrotechnic customs prevail (Fires of Ayianniou).
August 29, Dissection of the head of the Holy Prophet Forerunner and John the Baptist. The day is considered mournful and associated with strict fasting.
September 23, Arrest of the Holy Forerunner.
Today, according to the calendar, the following are celebrated:
Ioannis, Giannis, Tzannis, Tzanis, Yagos, Zannetos, Zannettos, Zhan, Ioanna, Gianna, Giannoula, Zannetta, Zannetta, Zannet *
Prodromos, Prodromakis, Makis
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