The Beheading of St John the Baptist: Understanding the Fast

The Biblical Account

In the Bible, Mark 6:17-29 and Matthew 14:3-11 recount the story of John's beheading. Herodias, angry at John's condemnation of her unlawful marriage to Herod (her former husband’s brother), sought revenge. During Herod’s birthday party, her daughter, Salome, performed a dance that pleased Herod. In his delight, Herod promised her anything she wished. Coached by her mother, Salome asked for John the Baptist's head on a flat plate. Reluctantly, Herod ordered John’s execution. The beheading of St. John is one of the most important gospel scenes, highlighting the cost of standing up for God's law.

The Context of Herod’s Time

During the time of Herod, John the Baptist openly criticized the ruler of Galilee, King Herod Antipas, for marrying Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife. Herodias’s daughter, Salome, became an instrument of Herodias’s revenge against John. Herodias's manipulation and Salome's dance at the infamous birthday banquet of Herod Antipas led to the beheading of Saint John. This event took place at the royal city of Machaerus, a significant archaeological site.

The Execution and Aftermath

John’s execution was carried out by Herod’s military commanders and high officials. His disciples later retrieved his body and laid it in a tomb, as described in the New Testament. The site of Herod's banquet, where John's head was presented on a platter, holds unique characteristics and historical value, marking a dark but crucial moment in biblical history. The head of John, or the head of St. John, became a symbol of his martyrdom and the ultimate sacrifice for truth and righteousness.

Historical and Cultural Impact

The beheading of St. John has been depicted in various forms of art, including the largest works of renowned artists like Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio. The event's uniqueness and historical value have been subjects of archaeological research and have inspired countless theological reflections. The death of John the Baptist is not only a significant religious event but also a moment of profound historical importance, often highlighted in Bible illustrations of reality and divine light.

Commemoration

This fast honors the life and martyrdom of John the Baptist, a holy man who played a pivotal role in heralding the coming of Jesus Christ. John’s ultimate sacrifice, prompted by his fearless denunciation of sin, particularly against King Herod and Herodias, is central to this commemoration. The beheading of St. John remains one of the most important gospel scenes, highlighting the profound impact of John's unwavering commitment to God's law. By remembering John’s life, including his baptism of Jesus and his strong moral stance, believers recognize his significant role in the divine narrative.

Repentance and Reflection

The fast provides an opportune time for believers to reflect on their own lives, repent for their sins, and renew their commitment to God's commandments. The story of John the Baptist, especially his condemnation of Herod for marrying his brother’s wife, Herodias, serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of upholding moral integrity. During this period, the faithful are encouraged to examine their own actions and seek forgiveness, inspired by John's example. The involvement of leading men of Galilee and dinner guests at Herod’s birthday banquet, who witnessed the beheading of St. John, adds a layer of historical depth to this reflection.

Spiritual Preparation

This fast also prepares the faithful for the liturgical celebration of John’s beheading. It reminds them of the enduring importance of his message and the sacrifices made for upholding God's law. The time of Herod, when John was martyred, is marked by significant historical and theological events that continue to resonate today. The fast allows believers to spiritually prepare, engaging deeply with the themes of sacrifice, righteousness, and divine judgment. The story of John’s disciples retrieving his body after his execution, and the presence of Herodias’s daughter, Salome, at the infamous birthday banquet, further enriches this period of preparation.

1. Standard Parish Fasting Plan

Who is it for?

This plan is ideal for most Orthodox Christians, including families and individuals who are accustomed to regular fasting but need a balanced approach that fits into a busy lifestyle.

What to Eat?

• Daily: Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
• Weekends: Olive oil and moderate wine allowed.

Description:

Based on the general guidelines of the Church, this plan strikes a balance between traditional fasting and modern convenience. It includes a wide variety of plant-based foods, allowing for olive oil and moderate wine on weekends, reflecting the joyful spirit of the divine liturgy. This approach is rooted in the word of God and the teachings of the apostolic church, making it accessible and spiritually fulfilling. It embraces the gospel reading and the orthodox tradition, ensuring that participants honor the spirit of the Beheading of John the Baptist.

2. Modified Fasting Plan

Who is it for?

This plan is suitable for beginners, those with health concerns, young children, the elderly, and pregnant or nursing mothers. It's also great for those new to fasting or transitioning to a stricter regimen.

What to Eat?

• Daily: Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
• Weekends: Olive oil and fish allowed.

Description:

The modified fasting plan serves more as an example than a set of rules. There is no strict 'rule' for this type of fast as it needs to be tailored to the needs of each parishioner based on their specific situation. It includes fish on weekends and allows olive oil throughout, providing essential nutrients while still maintaining the spirit of the fast. Parishioners are encouraged to talk to their doctor and their spiritual advisor for personalized guidance. This plan helps those new to fasting or with special dietary needs to honor the tradition without feeling overwhelmed, aligning with the teachings of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and respecting the health of human persons.

3. Strict Ascetic Fasting Plan

Who is it for?

This plan is typically for monastic practice and best suited for experienced fasters seeking a deeper spiritual discipline. It's suitable for those who want to immerse themselves fully in the tradition of the Church and its ascetic practices.

What to Eat?

• Daily: Fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds. No olive oil or wine.
• Weekends: Olive oil and moderate wine allowed. Fish on major feast days like the Feast of the Transfiguration.

Description:

The strict ascetic fasting plan involves a higher level of discipline, eliminating olive oil and wine during weekdays. This approach encourages greater spiritual focus and purification, embodying the essence of the Beheading of John the Baptist. While we provide general guidelines based on Church traditions, this type of fast is usually practiced in monastic settings. Parishioners interested in this fasting plan should talk to their doctor and their spiritual advisor before engaging in this practice to ensure it aligns with their health and spiritual needs. This plan is a reflection of the commitment seen during great lent and honors the services of the feast, the holy icon, and the icon of the beheading.

1. What to Eat?

During this fast, focus on consuming a plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, and nuts. Simple, wholesome meals like lentil soup, vegetable stews, and fresh salads are ideal choices that align with the fasting guidelines.

2. What Not to Eat?

On August 29th, Orthodox Christians avoid consuming meat, dairy, eggs, fish, wine, and oil. This strict dietary restriction helps in honoring the ascetic life of John the Baptist and maintaining the sanctity of the fast.

3. Alcohol

During this fast, we generally restrict alcohol consumption, allowing some leniency for wine on weekends, except on the actual day of the fast when we also avoid wine and oil.

4. Exceptions

We may grant exceptions from strict fasting rules to certain individuals, such as the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with specific health conditions. Always consult with a spiritual advisor to receive appropriate guidance tailored to individual needs.

The memory of the righteous is celebrated with songs of praise, but the Lord's testimony is sufficient for you, O Forerunner. You were shown in truth to be the most honorable of the prophets, for you were deemed worthy to baptize in the streams of the Jordan Him whom they foretold. Therefore, having suffered for the truth with joy, you proclaimed to those in Hades the gospel of God who appeared in the flesh, who takes away the sin of the world and grants us great mercy."

"The glorious beheading of the Forerunner was part of God's dispensation that he might proclaim to those in Hades the coming of the Savior. Let Herodias, who demanded the iniquitous murder, therefore lament, for she loved not the law of God, nor eternal life, but only this false and fleeting life."