"The just are recalled with songs of praise.
But for you, O Forerunner, the Lord's testimony is enough.
For you proved yourself more honored even than the Prophets,
since you were found worthy to baptize in the river
the One you had foretold. Thus, having more than upheld the truth, you had the joy of preaching, even to those in the Hades, the good news:
of God manifested in the flesh, who takes away the sin of the world and grants us His great mercy."
 

Apolytikion for the beheading of StJohn the Baptist - (Second Tone)