Remains of St John the Baptist Supposedly Found

[Matthew]

Did anyone see this already? If not, here is the introductory sentences and a link to full article:

National Geographic: Remains of John the Baptist Purportedly Found
JUNE 27, 2012
Purported skeletal remains of John the Baptist have been dated to the first century A.D. and so could conceivably have belonged to the “forerunner of Christ,” who baptized Jesus, scientists say.

Discovered in 2010 among the ruins of a Bulgarian church, the remains include six human bones: a knucklebone from the right hand, a tooth, part of a cranium, a rib, and an ulna, or forearm bone.

DNA and radiocarbon testing of collagen from the knucklebone show that the remains likely belonged to a Middle Eastern man who lived in the first century A.D., which fits with the story of John the Baptist.

Read the full article: http://orthodoxbeacon.com/world/nationa ... dly-found/

[Barbara]

That would be truly sensational if it should be proved to be REALLY St John the Baptist.
However, i don't have the instinct that THESE are the relics of the Great Forerunner.

It's positive to even mention the possibility in reports, because it reminds everyone of the fervor for Truth
of this incredibly strong-souled Saint ---- whose virtues are needed by
absolutely the entire world today !

The culture of lying and caving in to the demands of evil forces in a myriad of ways is so widespread in
politics, journalism, Protestant 'churches', top ranks of the Vatican, many World Orthodox figures etc etc.

In our own lives, hopefully we can emulate St John the Baptist by being stoic against pressures from demons to
conform to wrong things.

[Matthew]

I, too, am doubtful that the relics of St John have actually been found. His head is kept by Orthodox somewhere I think. Maybe Athos or Constantinople? Anyway, I just thought I would post it out of interest.

[Barbara]

I think there at least 3 places claiming to have the head of St John the Baptist.
For sure, Mt Athos and a couple others.

I am glad your reaction is the same.
However, the very IDEA that his relics COULD be located is SO exciting !
It gives us something to look forward to if God wills this !

[Matthew]

Yes, it is exciting, and certainly not an impossibility. I shouldn't wonder if the Last Days do not in fact come with a series of historically significant finds in the area of biblical archaeology and relics, genuine miracles, etc. It would be likely as I think the Lord would give a final witness to the few who might yet be saved by such a witness that He might gather in all that can possibly be saved.

[Maria]

Yes, it is exciting, and certainly not an impossibility. I shouldn't wonder if the Last Days do not in fact come with a series of historically significant finds in the area of biblical archaeology and relics, genuine miracles, etc. It would be likely as I think the Lord would give a final witness to the few who might yet be saved by such a witness that He might gather in all that can possibly be saved.

Ojala!

[Matthew]

What is "Ojala"?