The Orthodox Christians following the Julian Calendar on September 11 observe the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (also known as the Beheading of the Forerunner), who baptized Jesus Christ. The day is always observed with strict fasting.
Contacted by IPN, bishop of the Meeting of God Church within the State University of Moldova Octavian Mosin said that the day commemorates the martyrdom by beheading of Saint John the Baptist on the orders of Herold Antipas through the vengeful request of his begrudged daughter Salome.
According to Gospel, Herod, who was tetrarch, or sub-king, of Judea under the Roman Empire, had imprisoned John the Baptist because he reproved Herod for divorcing his wife (Phasaelis) and unlawfully taking Herodias, the wife of his brother Herod Philip I. On Herod's birthday, Herodias's daughter Salome danced before the king and his guests. Her dancing pleased Herod so much that in his drunkenness he promised to give her anything she desired, up to half of his kingdom. When the daughter asked her mother what she should request, she was told to ask for the head of John the Baptist on a platter. Although Herod was appalled by the request, he reluctantly agreed and had John executed in the prison.
Octavian Mosin said the Church dopes not support the people’s superstitions that one should not cut and should not eat or drink anything red on this day.
