Major feast
Beheading of St. John the Baptist
Kept on August 29 on the New Calendar and on September 11 (civil date) on the Old Calendar.
About the feast
The martyrdom of the Forerunner under Herod. It is a strict fast day of mourning, with wine and oil, whatever the weekday.
Dates
| Year | New Calendar | Old Calendar |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | ||
| 2027 | ||
| 2028 | ||
| 2029 | ||
| 2030 |
Fasting on the day
In 2026 (New Calendar) the rule for this day is Wine & oil permitted — A fast day of sorrow, whatever the weekday. Wine and oil permitted. See the August 2026 fasting calendar.
Follow your parish
These are the general fasting rules of the Orthodox Church, computed for both calendars. Local custom, age, health, pregnancy and your priest’s guidance come first — when in doubt, ask your priest.