The Orthodox church calendar is replete with many holidays, which are memories of the most important events in New Testament history. On July 7, Orthodox Christians solemnly celebrate the birthday of St. John the Baptist.
John the Baptist bears this name because he baptized Jesus Christ himself in the Jordan River. The Savior himself said that John the Baptist is the most spiritual and holy man who ever lived on earth. The Christian Church reveres John as a prophet and great preacher of repentance, who was born at the turn of the Old and New Testaments.
The date of the birth of the prophet John (July 7) was not chosen by chance. From the gospel narrative it is known that John the Baptist was six months older than Jesus Christ. Taking into account the fact that the Nativity of Christ is celebrated by the Orthodox Church on January 7th (new style), the Church six months earlier established the celebration of the Nativity of John the Baptist.
The Evangelist Luke tells about the birth of the holy prophet. So, in the Holy Scriptures it is said that the parents of John were the righteous Zechariah and Elizabeth, who could not have children in the measure of old age and physiological indications. However, a miracle happened. Archangel Gabriel predicted to Zechariah about the birth of a son, and as a sign of the truth of his words, he predicted that Zechariah himself would not be able to speak until John was born. The Bible tells us that the words of the Archangel Gabriel were fulfilled - the righteous Elizabeth conceived and gave birth to a son.
The Orthodox Church has always celebrated this day with special solemnity. John the Baptist is considered the holiest and highest prophet. In his life he preached repentance and prepared the people for the coming of Jesus Christ.
In Russia, the day of July 7 was otherwise called the holiday of Ivan Kupala. It was believed that on the night of July 7, it was necessary to find a fern in the forest, which would indicate the treasure. However, this folk tradition has nothing to do with Orthodoxy. It is a reflection of the ancient Old Russian folklore to which the memory of the birth of John the Baptist was tied. Hence the popular name - Ivan Kupala. Other experts in the field of ancient Russian culture may say that it was the Nativity of John the Baptist that was timed to coincide with the pagan day of the celebration, but the dating of the Nativity of John the Baptist was determined many centuries before the emergence of the state of Kievan Rus far beyond the borders of modern Russia.
Consecration of various medicinal herbs in Orthodox churches can serve as some echoes of pagan customs. In ancient times, this herb was collected on the day of Ivan Kupala. However, the practice of blessing herbs does not occur in all Orthodox churches. This is an ancient tradition that has no statutory significance.
In Orthodox churches on the eve of the birth of the Prophet John, as well as on the day itself, celebratory services are held. Many believers confess and receive communion on this holy day. July 7 always falls on St. Peter's Lent. Thanks to the great holiday on this day, believers are allowed to indulge in food. So, the Orthodox charter prescribes the use of fish on the day of the birth of John the Baptist for the sake of the celebration of the remembered event.
