The Feast of St. John the Evangelist
Understanding the Feast of St. John the Evangelist
The Feast
of St. John the Evangelist is celebrated within the Christian community as a
tribute to one of the most prominent figures of the New Testament. St. John,
the Apostle and Evangelist, is known for his significant contributions to
Christian scripture, including the writing of the fourth Gospel, three
Epistles, and the Book of Revelation. His works, particularly his passages on
the pre-existence of the Word and the divinity of Christ, hold a special place
in Christian theology.
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| The scene captures a priest blessing wine with a diverse group of parishioners gathered around, some holding small cups of wine. The church is adorned with symbols associated with St. John, creating a warm and reverent atmosphere that reflects the essence of this special feast day. |
The Symbolism and Timing of the Feast
Celebrated
on December 27th in Western Christianity, the Feast of St. John the Evangelist
falls within the Octave of Christmas. This timing is symbolic, intended to
honor St. John's focus on the divinity of Christ and his exemplification of
virgin purity. The days following Christmas hold rich symbolic meaning:
December 26th honors St. Stephen, the first martyr, while December 27th
celebrates St. John, the virgin apostle. The Church venerates St. John for his
pure chastity, drawing a parallel between his virginity and the innocence and
purity associated with the birth of Christ. In the Eastern Orthodox Church, St.
John is generally honored on September 26th.
Life and Legacy of St. John
St. John,
born in Bethsaida, was a fisherman by profession before heeding Jesus' call to
discipleship. Known as the "beloved disciple" of Jesus, he played a
crucial role in key events of Jesus' life, being present at the Transfiguration
and at the Last Supper. His steadfast loyalty to Jesus was evident as he was
the only Apostle who did not forsake Jesus during His Passion and Death. In his
later years, St. John was exiled to the island of Patmos under Emperor
Domitian, where he wrote the Apocalypse. He eventually returned to Ephesus and
continued to preach and visit churches across Asia even in his old age. St.
John's death was peaceful, occurring in Ephesus around the year 100 AD.
Celebrations and Traditions
The Feast
of St. John the Evangelist is marked with various religious traditions. One
such tradition includes the blessing of wine, which symbolizes the spiritual
richness and depth of St. John's teachings. This act of blessing wine and
sharing it among the faithful is a significant part of the feast's observance
in many Christian communities.
The Feast's Relevance Today
The Feast
of St. John the Evangelist continues to be an important occasion for
Christians, serving as a reminder of the Apostle's teachings on love,
fraternity, and the divine nature of Christ. It's a time to reflect on the
virtues exemplified by St. John and to emulate his unwavering faith and purity
in everyday life.
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