Synaxis of St. John the Baptist honors St. John the Forerunner, who baptized Jesus Christ. It celebrates his role as a prophet, preacher of repentance and herald of spiritual renewal in Christian tradition.

When is Synaxis of St. John the Baptist?

Synaxis of St. John the Baptist is observed on January 7 every year.

The following is the list of Synaxis of St. John the Baptist from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Synaxis of St. John the Baptist?

The word "Synaxis" comes from the Greek σύναξις, meaning "assembly" or "gathering". In the Christian tradition, a Synaxis is a special feast day that honors a saint closely connected to a major holy event.

The Synaxis of St. John the Baptist, celebrated on January 7, is observed the day after the Feast of Theophany (Epiphany), which commemorates the baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan.

On January 6, Christians celebrate Theophany (Epiphany), the revelation of the Holy Trinity, when God the Father's voice was heard, the Holy Spirit descended as a dove, and Christ was baptized by St. John the Baptist.

Because of his essential role in this sacred event, the next day, January 7, is dedicated specifically to honoring St. John the Baptist — the Forerunner of Christ, who prepared the way for the Messiah through his preaching and baptism of repentance.

The veneration of John the Baptist dates back to the first centuries of Christianity. Early Christians regarded him as the last and greatest of the prophets, bridging the Old and New Testaments.

His message of repentance and his recognition of Jesus as the "Lamb of God" made him one of the most revered saints in both Eastern and Western Christianity. The Synaxis itself developed in the Eastern Church as a natural extension of the Epiphany celebration, already widespread by the 4th century.

The Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches observe the Synaxis on January 7, immediately following the Feast of Theophany. Over time, the Synaxis became an important liturgical event, emphasizing John's humility, faith, and his mission as the messenger preparing humanity for the coming of Christ.

The Synaxis of St. John the Baptist is marked with special church services, prayers, and hymns dedicated to his life and ministry. In Orthodox tradition, believers attend the Divine Liturgy and sometimes participate in the blessing of water, continuing the themes of cleansing and renewal from Theophany. In some Eastern European and Mediterranean countries, families gather to share meals and light candles in his honor.