The figure of the Forerunner in the Orthodox liturgical tradition

This article by Job Getcha examines the figure of John the Baptist in the Byzantine Orthodox liturgical tradition. Drawing on a theological and liturgical study, it analyzes the place of the Forerunner in the annual and weekly liturgical calendar, as well as the theological content of the Byzantine hymnography dedicated to him. The author shows that John the Baptist holds, after the Mother of God, the most eminent rank in the assembly of the saints, as reflected by his systematic commemoration in the prothesis and the anaphora, as well as the six annual feasts dedicated to him. The analysis of hymnographic texts reveals five major titles attributed to the Forerunner — Angel of Christ, New Elijah, preacher of repentance, luminary of the Light, Voice of the Word and friend of the Bridegroom — which attest to the scriptural rootedness of Orthodox theology and the coherence between liturgy, iconography and patristic tradition.