Saint John the Baptist (Chimev) Icon (Legacy Icons)

XS 3*4.5 inch

S 4*6 inch

Medium 6*9 inch

In this icon, painted by Bulgarian iconographer Georgi Chimev, the Forerunner holds his own beheaded head on a platter while he holds a cross, signs and symbols of his martyric death. While this icon can be used on the many feasts of Saint John throughout the year, it perhaps best represents the feast of his martyrdom.

The Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist John was the older cousin of our Lord. After he baptized Christ in the Jordan River, John was arrested by Herod and beheaded at the request of his wicked wife Herodias and daughter Salome, as described in the Gospels.

Celebrated on August 29 as a solemn day of fasting, the Beheading of Saint John is one of the most ancient Christian feast days honoring one of the saints.