Today we commemorate Zacharias and Elizabeth. Remembered as examples of faithfulness and piety, Zacharias and Elizabeth became the parents of John the Baptist despite their old age. Initially disbelieving the promise, Zacharias was struck mute by the angel who announced that Zacharias and Elizabeth would have a son; upon confirming his wife’s chosen name for their son, John, Zacharias was restored to his ability to speak. Upon regaining his speech, Zacharias sang the Benedictus, a summary of the promises in the Old Testament and a prophecy of John the Baptist’s ministry as a forerunner of Christ.