Pre-heralding Hades

The Forerunner also in Hades

The Forerunner’s glorious beheading, by divine allowance occurred, so that to those in Hades, would be told the coming of the Saviour.

(Kontakion – 29th of August)

Christ was not only awaited by the living, but also by the dead, who sighed in Hades, waiting for their Redeemer.

Thus John was also the Forerunner of Christ for those sitting ‘in darkness’.

He also proclaimed the coming of Christ to them. “Rejoicing, carry the good news to those in Hades, that God has appeared in the flesh” (Apolytikion of the Forerunner).

The devil, Herod, Salome and Herodias all acted to this end when they beheaded John, one and a half years before the Crucifixion of Christ!

For that period, John hastened through Hades, preaching the coming of Christ.

For one and a half years he preached on earth and for one and a half years in Hades! [the same three 3 years as our Saviour's ministry]

O Baptist, your holy head cut off

you hastened to Hades,

as Forerunner of Christ, to those therein bound,

You heralded redemption.

On earth, his disciples were lamenting the injustice of his loss, while below (in Hades), those in bondage rejoiced to hear the happy news of the coming of Christ.

Archimandrite Vassilios – The Life & Teachings of St. John the Baptist: A Voice Crying in the Desert