In a time of ancient lands and prophetic dreams lived a man known as Saint John the Baptist. His birth was announced by celestial omens, therefore his path was destined to embrace the divine.
John’s life began in the quiet solitude of the wilderness. Elizabeth and Zechariah, his elderly parents, were themselves touched by a miraculous conception. A greater purpose was being prepared. As he grew, the wilderness became his sanctuary, a place of reflection and connection to the Divine.
John stood out against the harsh landscape with his woven garments made from camel’s hair and a plain leather belt. But it was his word that echoed like a wildfire across time, a voice that would call forth the hearts of those who sought the truth, so, people from distant villages came to hear his word. He preached for repentance, of turning away from worldly desires and for preparing for a divine kingdom that was soon to be revealed. He baptized those who sought to cleanse their souls, immersing them in the Jordan River.
One day, a man emerged from the crowd. It was Jesus of Nazareth, a man with eyes that held galaxies and a presence that seemed to welcome all of creation. John recognized him as the One he had been waiting for, the one that would take away the sins of the world. Jesus, humble and modest, approached John to be baptized. As Jesus emerged from the water, a voice from the heavens resonated, proclaiming “This is my beloved Son, with you I am well pleased.” John’s heart swelled with awe and understanding. He had fulfilled his purpose – to pave the way for the Messiah.
John’s ministry continued. His voice carried the message of hope and transformation along with a fearless critique of injustice and corruption. As days turned into weeks, Jesus, in his compassion, performed miracles, healed the sick and preached the good news.
According to the Gospel of Mark, John was imprisoned by Herod for denouncing Herod’s incestuous marriage. John condemned Herod for marrying Herodias (his niece) in violation of Old Testament Law. After Herodias’s daughter Salome had danced before Herod, he granted her a favour. Herodias told her to ask for the head of John the Baptist, which was delivered to her on a plate.
Yet, John’s legacy endured. His voice has called generations to seek truth and to prepare their hearts for the divine. He also reminded all that the path to the divine is paved with courage and humility … even in the wilderness of life.
The feast day of Saint John the Baptist (“São João”) is a popular feast day in many European countries. One reason for this was that its timing coincided nicely with much older pagan holidays that celebrated the summer solstice. It is still celebrated as a religious feast day in several countries, such as Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and has echoes in other holidays such as the Swiss National Day – a central theme in the celebrations is the lighting of bonfires.
“São João” is known for being the holy protector of the married and the sick. His feast is celebrated in several portuguese towns but the cities where the festivities are more intense are in Porto and Braga where the 24th of June is a local holiday.
Meanwhile, in a very recent celebration in Porto, on the eve of the 24th of June, a foreigner, Nikos, and a local, Marta, encountered a path of love and joy. In the middle of a crowded street, while gazing at a bonfire, their eyes met and it was love at first sight. The Greek boy’s dark complexion stood out in the girl’s dark olive-green eyes.
Nikos said to Marta, “I couldn’t help bit notice your smile by the bonfire. Are you enjoying São João?” Marta responded, “Yes, I love São João, it’s amazing, and I’ve heard about the celebrations in Greece too. It’s fascinating how we both celebrate Saint John, but with different traditions.” To this, Nikos replied, “True! In Greece, we jump over bonfires and have big feasts with family.” Marta smiled and said, “That sounds so exciting! Saint John brings people together, no matter where we’re from.”
Before the clock had struck midnight, the couple had already shared vows of love and cherishing courtship rituals.
While the city was undergoing a transformation with the streets crowded and full of colour and feelings of joy, the couple talked about their lives and came to the conclusion that they were meant to be together and that the festival in honour of “São João”, which turned out to be a tradition in the boy’s country also, was the result of a long search in their still short lives.
Extra info:
Saint John, known as São João in Portuguese and Άγιος Ιωάννης (Agios Ioannis) in Greek, holds cultural and religious significance in both cultures.
In Portugal, São João is celebrated on June 23rd with vibrant festivities, including bonfire jumping, balloon releases, and traditional food, marking the arrival of summer and incorporating fertility rituals. The peak of these festivities is the night of June 23rd to the 24th. The sanjoaninas waterfalls, a kind of animated nativity scene made with sculptures, are an example of the arts, crafts and architecture of Porto and are a big feature of the festival in honour of “São João”.
In Greek Orthodox Christianity, Saint John the Baptist is honored on June 24th with religious services, processions, and unique traditions such as fire-jumping and sea-related rituals. Both cultures use these celebrations to welcome the summer season, combining religious and cultural elements in their observance of Saint John.
Saint John the Evangelist and Apostle Color Vector Illustration Vectors by Vecteezy
