The Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John was the older cousin of our Lord. After he baptized Christ in the Jordan River, John was arrested by Herod and beheaded at the request of his wicked wife Herodias and daughter Salome, as described in the Gospels.

Celebrated on August 29 as a solemn day of fasting, the Beheading of Saint John is one of the most ancient Christian feast days honoring a saint. This icon of the feast is from 19th century Russia.