Saint John the Baptist
The Story Behind This Icon:
The Church commemorates Saint John the Baptist each year on January 7th.
Saint John the Baptist was the last prophet of the Old Testament and has become one of the most revered saints in the Orthodox Church. He was a preacher from a young age and proclaimed that baptism was for the forgiveness of sins. For this reason, he is also called Saint John the Forerunner as he declared that “another will come after him Who will not baptize with water but with the Holy Spirit." Although the Lord Himself had no need of the remission of sins, He nevertheless came to John “to be baptized by him and to fulfill all righteousness” (Matth. 3, 13-15).
Saint John had a martyric end: following the Baptism of Jesus Christ, he was imprisoned by Herod Antipas, the governor of Galilee whom he had openly denounced for having left his lawful wife for the wife of his brother Philip, Herodias. On Herod’s birthday feast, Herodias’ daughter Salome, danced with Herod who, in turn, promised to give her whatever she asked for. After consulting with her wicked mother, Salome asked to be given the head of John the Baptist on a plate. Herod gave the order to cut off the head of John and give it to Salome.
Joanna, the pious wife of Herod buried the head of John the Baptist on the Mount of Olives. The body of John the Baptist was taken that night by the disciples of Jesus Christ who buried it at Sebastia.
Apolytikion of Synaxis of John the Baptist:
The memory of the just is celebrated with hymns of praise, but the Lord's testimony is sufficient for thee, O Forerunner; for thou hast proved to be truly even more venerable than the Prophets, since thou was granted to baptize in the running waters Him Whom they proclaimed. Wherefore, having contested for the truth, thou didst rejoice to announce the good tidings even to those in Hades: that God hath appeared in the flesh, taking away the sin of the world and granting us great mercy.
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This icon of Saint John the Baptist is reproduced, with permission, from the authentic icon painted by the monks in the Cell of St. John the Theologian Holy Monastery of Koutloumousiou in Mount Athos, Greece. This icon is part of our collection "Icons from Mount Athos”, which features all icons from the Cell of St. John the Theologian.
This icon is made of solid, natural limewood (Tilia) that has been prepared by hand using traditional methods and organic materials. The background is comprised of 22 Karat gold leaves that were meticulously applied by hand, piece by piece.
All of our icons are reproduced according to museum print standards and are authentic replicas of Holy Icons from Mount Athos and elsewhere.
Learn more about how our Holy Icons are made here.
From the moment you first hold your Holy Icon, you will see the exquisite details that bear truth to the meticulous preparation and creation of the image, as well as feel the depth and weight of the solid wood upon which it is portrayed. One of our larger icon dimensions (11.8" x 15.7"/30 x 40 cm) weighs more than 5 pounds!
Because we value quality even in the details, your Holy Icon will be shipped in luxury packaging and can be presented as a gift for a friend or family member.
Dimension: 5.5" x 7.7" (14 x 19.5 cm)
| Width | Weight | Style | Backside Braces |
| 0.8" (2 cm) | 0.6 lb (0.3 kg) | Level | NA |
Dimension: 7.9" x 11" (20 x 28 cm)
| Width | Weight | Style | Backside Braces |
| 1.8" (4.5 cm) | 2.3 lb (1kg) | Recessed | Wood |
Dimension: 9.8" x 13" (25 x 33 cm)
| Width | Weight | Style | Backside Braces |
| 1.8" (4.5 cm) | 3.1 lb (1.4 kg) | Recessed | Wood |
Dimensions and weights may slightly vary as these items are cut by hand.
We are proud to offer the highest quality products! However, if you are not satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for an exchange or refund, free of charge! We offer free return shipping for all orders, so long as:
a) Item(s) are been purchased in the last 30 days.
b) Item(s) are returned with their original blue box and/or packaging.
c) Both the packaging and item(s) are in their original condition.
Customer Reviews
Saint John the Baptist was my third icon from Athonite, I chose the 7.9 by 11 with the recessed border. The colors are very deep and vibrant. The quality is perfect and just feeling the quality I know this will be passed on through my family.
It's a beautiful icon with amazing detail. Gave this to my son for Sunday of Orthodoxy. Also, lovely packaging, and the shipping was quick.
Stunningly beautiful Icon of the Forerunner, with amazing detail. I'm really pleased with the quality and the fast shipping. Perfect - thank you!
The pictures really don't do it justice. It's a beautiful icon. The packaging is so nice and the shipping was amazingly fast. I'll be ordering again.
Came to my home in top condition and really gives an extra dimension to the style and feel of the aesthetic of my home, especially in my bedroom. Having John the Baptist in my mind reminds me to repent of my sins and look to Christ every morning I wake up and go to sleep.
