How to Observe the Beheading of St John the Baptist
Celebrated August 29th
The beheading of St John the Baptist is a strict fasting day. His feast day is always observed with strict fasting, and in addition, many pious Orthodox Christians will not eat food from a flat plate, use a knife, or eat round food on this day. Why? It’s to help us remember the story of St John’s beheading, as his head was served on a platter and given to Herodias’ daughter, according to the Scriptures. By avoiding a knife, plate, and round things, we are avoiding serving anything that resembles a head on a platter. The challenge itself reminds us of the story, and since it’s a solemn feast, we fast on this day.
In this guide you’ll find simple and easy ideas to celebrate the beheading of St John the Baptist with your kids - including feast day traditions and book recommendations, and additional information so you can share this story so together you can grow to love him even more!
Scroll to learn more about the beheading of St John the Baptist and find activity and reading suggestions and more!
First, let’s learn about the story:
The gospel account tells us that Herod was the one who had John the Baptist arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, whom he had married. John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” Herodias harbored a grudge against him and wanted to kill him but was unable to do so. Herod feared st John, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man, and kept him in custody. When he heard him speak he was very much perplexed, yet he liked to listen to him. She had an opportunity one day when Herod, on his birthday, gave a banquet for his courtiers, his military officers, and the leading men of Galilee. Herodias’ own daughter came in and performed a dance that delighted Herod and his guests. The king said to the girl, “Ask of me whatever you wish and I will grant it to you.” He even swore many things to her, “I will grant you whatever you ask of me, even to half of my kingdom.” She went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” She replied, “The head of John the Baptist.” The girl hurried back to the king’s presence and made her request, “I want you to give me at once on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”
The king was deeply distressed, but because of his oaths and the guests he did not wish to break his word to her. So he promptly dispatched an executioner with orders to bring back his head. He went off and beheaded him in the prison. He brought in the head on a platter and gave it to the girl. The girl in turn gave it to her mother. When his disciples heard about it, they came and took his body and laid it in a tomb. (Mark 6:17-29)
Activity Suggestions for the Beheading of St John:
Special Feast Day Tradition:
Prepare a Lenten Meal without using a knife, avoIding eating round foods and avoid eating on a plate
The beheading of St John the Baptist feast day is a strict fasting day. His feast day is always observed with strict fasting, and in addition, many pious Orthodox Christians will not eat food from a flat plate, use a knife, or eat round food on this day. Why? It’s to help us remember the story of St John’s beheading, as his head was served on a platter and given to Herodias’ daughter, according to the Scriptures. By avoiding a knife, plate, and round things, we are avoiding serving anything that resembles a head on a platter. The challenge itself reminds us of the story, and since it’s a solemn feast, we fast on this day.
Involve your kids and see if they can help you come up with some ideas! Here’s a few food suggestions you shared with me through instagram:
🥣 Serve food in a bowl
🍝 Pasta or noodles
🍤 Shrimp
🍚 Rice and beans and salad
🍜 Soup with frozen chopped veggies
🍃 Curry and lentils
Make Locust and Honey Crescent Rolls
We know from the Bible that St. John lived in the wilderness, preaching repentance, preparing the people’s hearts to receive Him and paving the way for our Lord’s ministry. Did you know what he ate while in the wilderness…. ? Locust and honey! These deserts are very simple to make and kids will enjoy participating! You can find the blogpost with the recipe HERE.
Music :
“Guess Who?” (St John the Baptist) By Gigi Baba
Check out this FREE song on Youtube. This song is a fun way for kids to learn more about St John the Baptist. It tells his story from his mission (preach repentance) to his martyrdom. We love Gigi Baba Shadid! She is an Orthodox Priest wife and she creates very catchy music for kids to help them learn about our faith. You can find all of her CDs available for purchase HERE would be a good one to start with. You can also find this song on Spotify.
Print the words for Guess Who:
Having the words is great for readers to be able to sing along more easily. Special thanks to Khouria Gigi for sharing this with us! Print HERE!
Book Recommendations:
For Biblical Stories, we love to read them out of the Scriptures: Mathew 14 or Mark 6
Saint John the Forerunner by Newrome Press
Written by the fathers of the Sacred Monastery of Mesa Potamou for young readers, the book begins with an explanation of the prophets and their mission. It then tells the entire story of the wondrous life of the greatest man born of women, Saint John the Baptizer. (Luke 7:28) The book also includes a catalog of feast days dedicated to the Forerunner.
101 Orthodox Saints by Ancient Faith Publishing
Features St John on page 59
“St John the Forerunner” by Potamitis Press
Check out this mini book ($4) by Potamitis Publishing which tells the story of St John the Baptist.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to Feast Days, I always prioritize 2 things: (1) Attending the service and (2) telling my children about the feast day prior - or afterwards. Usually this is done by showing them the icon of the saint or reading the story of their life from the above resources. If I can do those two things, I feel a great sense of success! My hope is that these feasts days imprint on their hearts during their childhood and they have a greater love for our Savior as they grow up because of them. Now, if you are able to do those two things, you’re a gold star! Bravo! If you are in a season where you want to go a little deeper and make those connections stronger, I will cheer you on and encourage you on that venture. Some seasons allow for more, especially as children grow older. But if you find yourself in a busy season with littles, rest assured, you have many many years ahead to be able to add more to your plate!