The Commemoration of the Beheading of St John the Baptist in Perth

The faithful of Perth commemorated the Beheading of St John the Baptist at the Holy Monastery of St John on Sunday the 29th of August.

The commemoration commenced with the Hierarchical Vespers Service presided by His Grace Bishop Elpidios of Kyanea on the Saturday night in which all the clergy and faithful of Perth gathered in the Katholikon to sing praises and hymns to the greatest one ever to be born of woman. At the end of the service and after the distribution of the Artoklasia, His Grace, accompanied by the Abbot of the Monastery, admired the recent works completed in the church sanctuary which included the installation of new wooden cupboards for the housing of liturgical items.

On the Sunday morning, the Matins and Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was officiated by His Grace Bishop Elpidios. In his sermon His Grace mentioned:

The 29th of August is a strict day of fast and mourning since on this day we commemorate the horrific death of St John the Baptist. The Forerunner’s life was cut short since he was the only one who had the courage to approach King Herod and to harshly rebuke him for the scandal that he was causing within society. St John’s words “it is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife” (Mark: 6:18) was enough to have him thrown into prison and latter executed. Experiencing martyrdom and death was the cost that St John paid for saying the truth. He is an example for all who wish to confess the truth in life regardless of what the cost may be.

Following the Divine Liturgy His Grace invited everyone to stay for a Lenten Morning Tea that took place at the monastery’s refectory.

Overall, it was wonderful to see a number of young families attend the Divine Liturgy.