Saint John

St John History

The Observance of Saint John is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, a significant Christian figure revered for his spiritual purity and humility. This commemoration celebrates his life and teachings with activities such as: liturgies, prayers, and community gatherings. Significant aspects of the observance include the symbolic use of water in ceremonies and rituals, alluding to Saint John's role in baptizing Jesus and instituting the sacrament of baptism in Christianity.

Saint John the Baptist was a forerunner of Christ, prophesizing his coming and later recognizing him as the Messiah. His story relates to people in Canada through shared Christian values of virtue, humility, and altruism. Canada's rich spiritual history includes French Catholic missionaries who brought Christianity to different regions, incorporating the reverence for various saints into local cultures. Given his paramount importance in the Christian tradition, Saint John the Baptist is a celebrated figure across the country, incorporating his teachings into religious education and practices.

In Canada, the Observance of Saint John is commemorated with special church services typically involving baptismal rites, referencing Saint John's baptizing of Jesus in the River Jordan. Special prayers and hymns dedicated to the saint are expected, alongside local traditions such as community feasts or processions. Besides this celebration devoted to him, the 24th of June has been designated as "Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day" or "La fête de la Saint-Jean-Baptiste" in Canada, particularly in the province of Quebec, as his birthday celebration. This day is a public holiday in Quebec, further highlighting the significance of Saint John in Canadian culture and spirituality.

Saint John facts

• John was a fisherman before he began following Christ. He was the brother of St. James the Greater. Jesus gave the brothers the name, sons of thunder. (Mark 3:17)
  
• The Feast Day for St. John the Apostle is held in the Roman Catholic Church and some Protestant denominations on December 27, the third day of Christmas. In the Orthodox Church, it is called the Feast of the Holy and Glorious Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, which is held September 26. This feast shouldn't be confused with the Feast of St. John the Baptist, which is held in both faith traditions on June 24.
• Tradition holds that St. John was the last of the 12 apostles to die and that he lived to an old age in Ephesus (modern-day Turkey), dying around A.D. 100.
• In religious art, Saint John is often depicted with an eagle, symbolizing the elevated theological and spiritual nature of his writings.
• John lived a long life and died of natural causes in Ephesus in modern-day Turkey, making him the only apostle not to be martyred.

In the News and Trending in Canada for Saint John

Top things to do in Canada for St John's Day

• Read the Gospel of John. It is different than the other three Gospels and was thought to the last written of the four books in the New Testament.
• Read the Revelation of John, thought to be written by the apostle. The rich symbolism has been thought to foretell the end of the world, but many biblical scholars believe it was written to offer hope to Christians persecuted by Rome.
• Saint John's Day coincides with the peak of strawberry season in Canada. You can include them in desserts like strawberry shortcake, strawberry rhubarb pie, or strawberry tarts.
• Since bonfires are a significant part of the Saint John's Day celebration, people often enjoy cooking foods like marshmallow smores, baked potatoes, or corn on the cob over the fire.