Beheading of St. John the Baptist

Herod Antipas, son of Herod who killed the infants of Bethlehem, was married to the daughter of King Aretas but divorced her to marry his brother Philip's wife, Herodias. St. John the Baptist criticized Herod for this, leading to John's imprisonment. At a banquet, Herod promised his stepdaughter Salome anything she desired, and under her mother Herodias' influence, Salome asked for John's head. John was beheaded, and his head was brought to Herod on a platter. John's disciples buried his body, while Herodias desecrated his head. King Aretas later defeated Herod, who was exiled to Gaul and Spain. The death of St. John is celebrated on August 29.