Feast Day: Who Celebrates on June 24, 2025?

Today, Tuesday (June 24, 2025), according to the church calendar, we celebrate the Nativity of John the Baptist and Forerunner, the Synaxis of Zacharias and Elizabeth, his parents, and the commemoration of Saint Henry of Auxerre. The names celebrated today include Eric and Henry. Today, our Holy Church celebrates the birth of the glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John. His father, Zacharias, was a priest. During the hour of incense offering, he saw an angel of the Lord inside the sanctuary, who announced that he would have a son named John. Despite his joy, Zacharias doubted due to his wife Elizabeth’s old age and infertility. The angel responded that the child would indeed be born, but Zacharias would be struck mute until the prophecy was fulfilled. Eight days after the birth, during the child’s circumcision, relatives wanted to name him after his father, Zacharias. However, Zacharias wrote ‘John’ on a tablet, immediately regaining his speech. This event signified the arrival of the Forerunner of the Messiah. John not only possessed the gift of prophecy but also had the honor of baptizing Christ, whom he proclaimed throughout his life.