Handmade Byzantine Icon of the Beheading of Saint John the Forerunner.
Saint John the Forerunner is mentioned by all four Evangelists as an important person in the teaching of Christianity. He is known as "Forerunner" from the New Testament while in the Old Testament he is referred to as "Prophet".
He was devoted to the ascetic life and was preparing the world for the coming of the Messiah. But when Jesus Christ presented himself to him asking him to baptize him, Saint John hesitated. Nevertheless, Jesus explained to him that this was how it was meant to be and then he agreed to baptize him in the waters of the Jordan River.
His teachings was heard by multitudes of people and they resorted to him to advise them and hear their sins without criticism. However, he urged everyone to follow a life full of reverence and faith in God.
His disapproval of Herod Antipas' relationship with his brother's wife, Salome, led to his beheading.
Apolytikion of Saint John the Forerunner
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.
The Icon of the Beheading of Saint John the Forerunner is an exact copy of Byzantine art and is created by experienced craftsmen using the method of gold printing where hagiographic leaves of 22 karat gold are applied in detail to decorate the background.
During the final processing, the icon is painted with dark red color around the perimeter and polished with a special varnish to maintain its shine.
It is offered in level or recessed wooden surface and is suitable for wall mounting.
Feast: August 29
Iconographer: Liondas Chr.
Availability: Made to order, usually ships within 5 to 10 days.
