23 septembrie: Zămislirea Sfântului Ioan Botezătorul. Povestea vestirii făcute lui Zaharia

On September 23, 2026, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Annunciation of Saint John the Baptist, marking the announcement made to Zechariah by Archangel Gabriel about the birth of his son, John. This event signifies the conception of John by Elizabeth, as described in the Gospel of Luke. Zechariah, a priest, doubted the angel's message due to his and Elizabeth's old age, resulting in him being rendered mute until John's birth. The day also commemorates Saints Xanthippe and Polyxena, who lived in the 1st century and were baptized in the Eastern Roman Empire. The celebration highlights the beginning of John the Baptist's life and his role in preparing people for the coming of Christ.