The icon of St. John the Baptist is not only important in the Christan faith, but it carries an even deeper meaning in my mother’s family history. The icon in our home is an 8x10 wooden plaque with a painting of St. John the Baptist printed on the front. It reminds us of the day that our family was first baptized as Christans in Eastern Europe. Unlike today, families took on the Christan faith collectively as opposed to individually. Families were then given a Saint to honor that fell closest to the date of the baptism. The special occasion is known as Family Patron Saint Day. Patron Saint Day is exclusively a Serbian Orthodox Holiday, unique to the Serbian people. The annual celebration is a reaffirmation of the family to its baptismal vows and the renewal of its ties to the Orthodox faith and church.Today, we continue the tradition every year on January 20th. During the day, it's encouraged to attend the church service and take communion. Later, family and friends gather for a meal, typically the home of the oldest member of the family, and await the arrival of the Priest to bless the home. In preparation, the Icon of St. John the Baptist, a candle, cooked wheat, bread, wine, and a small bowl of water are placed on the table. We pray for the safety and health of the family.
 

– Nicholas Mattivi

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