Major feast
Nativity of St John the Baptist
Nativity of St. John the Baptist — Wednesday, June 24, 2026 in 2026.
The birth of St John the Forerunner, six months before the Nativity of Christ, as recounted in the Gospel of Luke.
When is Nativity of St John the Baptist in 2026?
In 2026 the feast falls on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. It is a fixed feast and keeps the same date every year on the New Calendar; Old Calendar parishes keep it thirteen days later on the civil calendar.
| Year | Date | Fasting that day |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday, June 24, 2026 | Apostles Fast |
| 2027 | Thursday, June 24, 2027 | No Fast |
| 2028 | Saturday, June 24, 2028 | Apostles Fast |
| 2029 | Sunday, June 24, 2029 | Apostles Fast |
Fasting on Nativity of St John the Baptist
Usually falls within the Apostles' Fast; fish, wine and oil are permitted.
Fasting practice varies between jurisdictions, parishes and households — see the Orthodox fasting rules for the full picture and speak with your priest about your own rule.
See this feast in the calendar
Open the day itself for the saints, feast and fasting rule in full, browse June 2026, or see the whole of 2026.