According to ancient tradition, the burial-place of John the Baptist was at Sebaste in Samaria, and mention is made of his relics being honored there around the middle of the 4th century. Historians record that the shrine was desecrated under Julian the Apostate around 362, the bones being partly burned. A portion of the rescued relics were carried to Jerusalem, then to Alexandria, where they were laid in the basilica that was newly dedicated to the Forerunner on the former site of the temple of Serapis. Many places claim to have a portion of his relics.
Father,
As John the Baptist’s relics are scattered from Halifax, West Yorkshire to West Bengal, from Munich, Germany to Scetes, Egypt, we cry out for his prophetic words to echo through these lands. We join our voices with those living and active words:
Turn away from your sins and be baptized, and God will forgive your sins. . . . The man who will come after me is much greater than I am. I am not good enough even to bend down and untie his sandals. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
[...] Middle East God heard their groaning Denominational differences God shall laugh Apostles’ martyrdom God’s word A heart for all nations Protection Leaders established in righteousness Iranian naval ships A song for North Africa and the Middle East The power of joy Fast Deliver us of fleshly motives Iranian warships in Syria Wisdom Restoration The tombs of Job The tombs of Habakkuk The tomb of Daniel Governments Thanksgiving Evangelism Spirit The relics of St. John the Baptist [...]
[...] The relics of St John the Baptist Middle East evangelism Israelites Huldah Blazing torch Gadarene demoniac Outsiders in Israel [...]