March 23

This day brings together the liturgical celebrations of saints across Christian traditions, including Gregory the Illuminator, Ottone Frangipane, Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès and others. It is observed in the Episcopal Church, Maronite Church and Eastern Orthodox calendars. Services typically feature special prayers, hymns and readings related to each saint’s life and legacy. The commemorations shine a light on historical figures who spread Christianity and provided spiritual leadership. Through these feasts, worshippers reflect on themes of faith, sacrifice and divine calling across diverse Christian communities.

On this date in 1891, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, proclaimed his mission as the Promised Messiah and Mahdi. The day is observed with special gatherings in mosques and mission houses worldwide. Activities include recitation of the Quran, sermons on peace and interfaith harmony, and presentation of community service achievements. Devotional hymns (naats), poetry and prayers emphasize the values of compassion, justice and spiritual renewal. It is also a time for charitable initiatives and outreach, reflecting the community’s commitment to humanitarian welfare and unity.

Gregory the Illuminator (c.257–330) is honored as the founder and first official head of the Armenian Apostolic Church. His missionary work led to Armenia’s conversion in 301 AD, making it the first Christian nation. In the Episcopal Church, his feast day is celebrated with special liturgies featuring readings from the Acts of the Apostles and hymns extolling his faith. Clergy and congregants reflect on his dedication to spreading Christianity under persecution. The observance highlights themes of evangelism, resilience and the enduring impact of Gregory’s work on Eastern Christian traditions.

Saint Gwinear is remembered for his missionary journey from Ireland or Brittany to Cornwall, where he established Christian communities and monasteries. According to legend, he was martyred by a local chieftain who opposed his evangelism. His feast day is observed in Anglican, Orthodox and local Cornish calendars with services that include readings of his hagiography and prayers for missionaries. Pilgrims visit the historic church site in Cornwall bearing his name. The observance celebrates Gwinear’s spiritual zeal, cultural exchange among Celtic regions and enduring legacy in Cornish religious heritage.

Saint Joseph Oriol (1650–1702) was a Catalan priest who served the poor and sick in Barcelona. Known for his barefoot pilgrimages to Mass and reported miraculous healings at his tomb, he became a popular figure of Spanish Catholicism. Canonized in 1909, his feast day is celebrated with processions, masses and acts of charity. Devotees pray for his intercession in matters of health and material need. The celebrations emphasize his legacy of selfless service, deep spirituality and commitment to the marginalized. Church and community events foster devotion and inspire charitable outreach.

Saint Ottone Frangipane (c. 1040–1127) was born into a noble family in southern Italy but later embraced the life of a Benedictine monk and hermit near Salerno. He devoted himself to caring for the poor, the sick, and visiting pilgrims on their journeys. Traditions attribute numerous miracles to his intercession, including healings and protection from danger. Ottone founded the Abbey of Sant'Ippolito where he lived in prayer and seclusion. His humble lifestyle and devotion inspired admiration across medieval Europe. The Church honors his memory on March 23, inviting the faithful to reflect on charity and simplicity. Pilgrims continue to visit his tomb seeking healing and spiritual solace.

Saint Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès (1832–1914) was born in Himlaya, Lebanon, and entered the Maronite Congregation of the Lebanese Maronite Order. She lived a life marked by deep humility and acceptance of physical suffering, enduring illness with grace and patience. Accounts describe her receiving the stigmata and engaging in prolonged periods of mystical prayer. Rafqa’s steadfast faith amid hardship made her a model of spiritual resilience in the Maronite tradition. Pope John Paul II canonized her in 2001, recognizing her exceptional holiness and missionary zeal. Her tomb at the Monastery of Our Lady of Liberation in Harissa is a pilgrimage site for those seeking comfort. Each year on March 23, Maronite churches around the world hold special liturgies and prayers in her honor.

Saint Turibius of Mogrovejo (1538–1606) was a Spanish cleric appointed as the third Archbishop of Lima, Peru. He traveled extensively through remote regions, preaching the Gospel and learning native languages to communicate with indigenous communities. Turibius established seminaries for priestly formation and advocated for the rights and dignity of the native population against colonial abuses. His pastoral letters and synods laid the foundation for an organized and compassionate church in the New World. Known for his humility and dedication, he personally catechized and baptized thousands of converts. Pope Benedict XIII canonized him in 1726 in recognition of his missionary zeal and social justice work. His feast on March 23 honors his legacy of evangelization and human rights.

Saint Victorian, Bishop Frumentius, and their companions were Christian leaders in North Africa during the late 5th century. They faced persecution under the Arian Vandal kingdom for refusing to renounce the Nicene faith. Tradition holds that they were arrested, exiled, or executed for maintaining orthodox beliefs. While historical details about their lives are limited, the group is honored for their courage and sacrifice. Their memory is preserved in liturgical calendars that celebrate the triumph of faith over oppression. Each March 23, believers reflect on their story as an example of unwavering devotion. Special prayers and readings recount their witness and ask for strength to endure trials.

On March 23, the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar records commemorations of multiple saints, martyrs, and venerable elders whose lives inspire the faithful. The day’s services include hymns known as troparia and kontakia that highlight the virtues and struggles of those remembered. Clergy and laity participate in the Divine Liturgy and may observe fasting rules appropriate to the liturgical season. Churches around the world may add local saints or unique customs to the universal commemorations. Special readings from Scripture focus on themes of perseverance, humility, and divine grace. The faithful venerate icons and offer prayers asking for the intercession of the saints celebrated. This observance fosters a sense of spiritual continuity and connection to the ancient roots of the Orthodox tradition.