When do the Orthodox celebrate the Nativity of John the Baptist in 2025

Every year on July 7, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of John the Baptist. Natalia Zinovich, a cultural expert, spoke about the history of the church holiday and the traditions associated with it.

"The Nativity of John the Baptist is an Orthodox holiday. John the Baptist is the prophet of Israel who baptized Jesus Christ, as described in the Gospel of Luke. On the eve of the holiday, an All-night vigil is held in churches, and some of the faithful, in accordance with tradition, do not sleep at night and pray to the Baptist. The holiday coincides with St. Peter's Fast, so you can not eat meat and dairy products. But fish is allowed," the expert noted in an interview with Izvestia.

The full name of the holiday sounds like the Nativity of the honest and glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John. This day is considered one of the great Orthodox holidays, although it is not one of the twelve, that is, the main ones. The Nativity of John the Baptist is celebrated every year on the same date.

The holiday is based on the story of a child who was born to an elderly couple, despite their infertility. He later became a prophet. The Gospel of Luke says that it was John the Baptist who foresaw the coming of Jesus, and then baptized him in the waters of the Jordan.

The Nativity of John the Baptist is approaching: the date in 2025, a brief biography of the Baptist

Orthodox Christians celebrate the holiday on July 7 every year.

The church holiday is also associated with St. Peter's Fast, which takes place in 2025 from July 16 to July 11. Those who fast can eat fish dishes on this day.

On July 7, Russia also celebrates the ancient Slavic holiday of Ivan Kupala, which is also associated with numerous folk traditions and customs.

Earlier, Izvestia told about the history and traditions of the national holiday Agrafena Kupalnitsa.