The Church today commemorates the First and Second Finding of the Venerable Head of John the Baptist
Apolytikion of 1st & 2nd Finding of the Head of the Forerunner
Fourth Tone
The Forerunner’s sacred head, having dawned forth from the earth, doth send incorruption’s rays unto the faithful, whereby they find healings of their ills. From on high he gathereth the choirs of the Angels and on earth he summoneth the whole race of mankind, that they with one voice might send up glory to Christ our God.
Kontakion of 1st & 2nd Finding of the Head of the Forerunner
Second Tone
Since we have obtained thy head as a most sacred rose from out of the earth, O Forerunner of grace divine, we receive sure healing in every hour, O Prophet of God the Lord; for again, now as formerly, thou preachest repentance unto all the world.