On Wednesday, 20 January 2021, the Patriarchate of Jerusalem celebrated the feast of the synaxis of Saint John the Forerunner and Baptist.
On this feast, the Church has the synaxis (gathering) of the faithful to honour Saint John the Forerunner, as the primary person in the Lord’s baptism, in the river Jordan. As the troparion says, “his hand touched the immaculate head of the Master”. The Church prays for this hand of Saint John to be extended in supplication to the Lord so that we may find mercy.
On this feast, the Patriarchate celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the historic Holy Monastery of Saint John the Baptist which is located near the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The Service was officiated by Archimandrite Makarios with the co-celebration of Archdeacon Mark, at the chanting of Mr Vasilios Gotsopoulos. Quite a few Nuns were present, but only a few faithful due to covid-19 restrictions.
During the Divine Liturgy, the Patriarch of Jerusalem visited the Monastery for veneration, accompanied by Hagiotaphite Fathers. The Hegoumen of the Monastery Archimandrite Bartholomew offered a reception to the Patriarchal entourage and the congregation.
Source: Patriarchate of Jerusalem
