The Nativity of Saint John, the Forerunner and Baptist of Christ

Every icon is crafted after your order and the preparation procedure takes about 4-20 business days. Items will be shipped by registered mail. We shipping worldwide. Shipping time: 10-40 days. Custom fees, VAX, Tax or any delay with the country regulation would be the buyer responsibility.
 

The Nativity of St. John, the Forerunner and Baptist of Christ
The story of the birth of St. John the Baptist is one of the most significant events in Christian tradition, marking the preparation of the way for the coming of Jesus Christ. 

The Annunciation by the Angel
The Holy Parents: John's parents were the Priest Zechariah and his wife Elizabeth. They were both righteous before God but had reached an advanced age without having children, as Elizabeth was barren.

The Appearance of Gabriel: While Zechariah was serving in the Temple of Jerusalem, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to him. The angel brought the joyful news that his prayers had been heard and Elizabeth would bear a son, who was to be named John (a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is gracious" or "God has shown favor").

Zechariah's Disbelief and Silence
Due to their old age, Zechariah doubted the angel's words and asked for a sign as proof.

As a consequence of his disbelief, the Archangel Gabriel told him that he would remain mute and unable to speak until the day the child was born and the prophecy was fully fulfilled.

The Birth and Naming (The Scene of the Icon)
When the time came, Elizabeth gave birth to a son, bringing great joy to their relatives and neighbors. This is exactly the central scene of the icon, where Elizabeth is shown resting after giving birth.

On the eighth day, when the child was to be circumcised, the relatives wanted to name him after his father, Zechariah. But Elizabeth objected, saying: "No, he is to be called John".

Since no one among their relatives bore this name, they made signs to Zechariah to ask what he wanted to name him. Zechariah asked for a writing tablet and wrote the famous words: "His name is John". This scene is very clearly portrayed in the lower right part of the icon.

At that exact moment, Zechariah's mouth was opened, his tongue was loosed, and he began to speak, praising God and prophesying about his son's future path.

The Mission of St. John
The child grew and became strong in spirit. He chose an ascetic life, living in the wilderness and feeding on locusts and wild honey, until the day his public ministry began. He became the "Forerunner" (the one who prepares the way), calling the people to repentance and baptizing them in the Jordan River, until the great day when he baptized Jesus Christ Himself.