Beheading of John the Baptist (Phsoq Risheh d-Yuhanon)

Beheading of John the Baptist (Phsoq Risheh d-Yuhanon)

January 7th is the commemoration of the beheading of St. John the Baptist (Phsoq Risheh d-Yuhannon mam'dono) according to the Liturgical Calendar of the Syriac Orthodox Church. Mor Yuhannon Mam'dono, son of Zacharias the priest, known as the forerunner of Christ was martyred by the order of King Herod. When St. John rebuked Herod because of Herodias, the wife of his brother Phillip whom he had taken as a wife, he said to him, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife." (Mark:6:18) Herod seized the Saint & cast him into prison; however, he feared John. The prayer on the feast day reads, “Lord, grant us courage to stand behind the truth even if we are put in prison & tempted with worldly treasures.”An opportune day came when Herod, on his birthday, gave a feast for his nobles, the high officers & the chief men of Galilee. Herodias' daughter herself came in & danced, pleasing Herod. He promised her anything she might ask for, even as much as half of his kingdom. She went to her mother saying, "What shall I ask?" Her mother replied, "Ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter." When Herod heard this, he was exceedingly sorry. But because of his promise & those who were sitting with him, he did not want to refuse her request. He therefore commanded his servants to cut off the head of Mor Yuhannon & they gave it to the damsel who gave it to her mother. (Mark 6:20-28). Mor Yuhannon's mortal remains are entombed in Sebaste. Syriac tradition states the head of St. John the Baptist is in the Basilica of Saint John the Baptist in Damascus Syria. After the rise of the Umayyad Dynasty, this church was converted into a mosque. However, the shrine housing his remains was kept intact. Today, Umayyad Mosque or Great Mosque of Damascus (Ğām' Banī 'Umayya al-Kabīr) continues to be a pilgrim site for both Christians and also Muslims (to whom he is known as prophet Yaha). “Through the counseling of Jezabel’s daughter the licentious woman entered Herod’s banquet requesting the innocent one’s head. The fox sent for John’s head and gave it to the wretched woman. She danced while crying the head covered with the blood of his neck. Halleluiah, blessed is the righteous one who on account of the truth was killed. Herod sold John’s head for a licentious dance and polished shoes. Woe be to the killer, glory to the killed. None born of woman are like him. Halleluiah, let his prayer be our wall and shelter.” – Kasaloki, Feast of the Beheading of St. John the BaptistThe Holy Bible readings from the Church Lectionary:Evening:St. Luke 3:1-14, 3:19-20Morning:St. Mark 6:14-29Before Holy Qurbono:II Kings 12:17-21Jeremiah 37:12-21Isaiah 40:3-8, 41:8-13 66:18-24Holy Qurbono:Acts 26:1-10Ephesians 3:1-12St. Matthew 14:1-12For sermons/commentaries: https://goo.gl/T2r9t7Tone of the day: 8Syriac prayers: https://tinyurl.com/286pnmnx Promiyon Sedro (Malayalam courtesy Hymonutho:- Evening by Fr. Robin Baby: https://bit.ly/2XxoOHqFixed Feast