Feast of Saint John

The Feast of Saint John is observed annually on December 27. This religious holiday honors Saint John the Apostle, who is traditionally recognized as the author of the Fourth Gospel and the Book of Revelation, and it serves as a continuation of the Christmas season celebrations.

History of the Feast of Saint John

Saint John was the son of Zebedee and the brother of James the Greater. According to biblical accounts, he was a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee before being called by Jesus to become one of the twelve apostles. Known as the “beloved disciple,” he is often depicted as the only apostle who did not abandon Jesus during the crucifixion. Tradition holds that he lived to an advanced age in Ephesus and was the only member of the original twelve to die of natural causes rather than martyrdom.

The establishment of this feast day on December 27 dates back to the early centuries of the Christian church. By placing his commemoration immediately following the Feast of Saint Stephen, the church created a sequence of days that highlighted different types of devotion: Stephen as the first martyr and John as the “virgin apostle” who provided a deep theological understanding of Christ’s divinity. Over time, the date became associated with specific regional customs, particularly in Central Europe where the blessing of wine became a central ritual.

Why is the Feast of Saint John important?

This day is significant because it focuses on the concepts of fraternal love and loyalty. Unlike many other saints who are remembered for their violent deaths, Saint John is celebrated for his long life of service and his emphasis on the command to love one another. His writings are viewed as a bridge between the physical events of the New Testament and the mystical understanding of God as “the Word made flesh.”

The holiday also serves a practical role in the liturgical calendar by maintaining the festive spirit of the twelve days of Christmas. It provides a moment to reflect on the importance of friendship and the care of others, referencing the biblical moment when Jesus entrusted the care of his mother, Mary, to John. By honoring the patron saint of friendships and writers, the day encourages a focus on communication and the strengthening of interpersonal bonds.

• The day highlights the virtue of loyalty through the story of the beloved disciple
• It emphasizes the theological theme of light overcoming darkness during midwinter
• The feast recognizes the cultural and historical impact of the Johannine literature
• It provides a dedicated time for the community to celebrate the value of deep friendships
• The observance supports traditions that have been part of European culture for centuries

How to Observe the Feast of Saint John

A unique tradition for this day is the “Blessing of the Wine of Saint John.” People bring bottles of wine or cider to their local church to be blessed, a practice originating from a legend that John once drank poisoned wine but remained unharmed after blessing it. At home, families share a toast with this blessed wine, often using the phrase “Drink the love of Saint John” to wish each other well and express mutual affection.

Another common way to observe the day is by serving fried foods like donuts or fritters. This custom stems from the story of Saint John being thrown into a cauldron of boiling oil under Emperor Domitian, from which he emerged miraculously unscathed. Additionally, because John is the patron of friendship, many people take the opportunity to write letters to old friends or invite them to share a meal, reinforcing the social connections that the saint championed throughout his life.

• Bring a bottle of wine or grape juice to a local service for a traditional blessing
• Prepare a meal of fried snacks to commemorate the saint’s miraculous protection
• Read a passage from the Gospel of John to reflect on the theme of light
• Reach out to a close friend to express gratitude for their presence in your life
• Light a special candle at dinner to represent the “Light of the World”

Feast of Saint John Dates Table