The Head of St. John the Baptist

John the Baptist, Prophet and Forerunner, is one of the most important and highly venerated saints. His dignity is emphasised by Christ's words: "This is the one about whom it is written: “ ‘I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist." In Eastern Christianity, his commemoration is celebrated on several dates: 24 June, 7 January, 24 February, 25 May, 29 August, and 23 September. As the last of the Prophets who foretold the coming of the Saviour and as the witness of His Revelation, he is called the Forerunner of the Lord. The son of Zechariah and Elizabeth, John began his public ministry around the age of 30, calling people to repentance and preparation for the imminent arrival of the Messiah. He was imprisoned for condemning the immoral behaviour of Herod Antipas and was subsequently beheaded at the request of Herod's niece, Salome, the daughter of Herodias. This event became one of the themes in Christian imagery. His body was buried by his disciples. The head, which Salome presented to her mother, Herodias, was later rediscovered three times, leading to the establishment of the Feast of the Finding of the Head of St. John. The depiction of his head also became a distinct iconographic theme in Christian art.

Teresa Bagińska-Żurawska https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9243-3967