Third Finding of the Precious Head of St John the Baptist
Commemorated May 25
Because of the vicissitudes of time, the venerable head of the holy Forerunner was lost for a third time and rediscovered in Comana of Cappadocia through a revelation to 'a certain priest, but it was found not, as before, in a clay jar, but in a silver vessel, and "in a sacred place". It was taken from Comana to Constantinople and was met with great solemnity by the Emperor, the Patriarch, and the clergy and people (also see February 24).
Dismissal Hymn (Fourth Tone)
Christ God has revealed to us your truly venerable head as a divine treasure that had been concealed in the earth, O Prophet and Forerunner. Therefore, as we gather on the feast of its finding, with our hymns inspired of God, we praise Christ the Saviour, Who by your mighty prayers saves us from every kind of harm.
Kontakion (Second Tone)
Since we have obtained your 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, you preach repentance to the entire world.