March 26

Each year on March 26, Christians commemorate the memory of Castulus, a Roman martyr known for his secret Christian gatherings. Emmanuel and his companions are honored for their steadfast faith in the face of persecution. Felicitas, remembered as a symbol of hope, inspires believers with her story of faith under duress. Harriet Monsell is celebrated for her pioneering work with the Community of St. John Baptist in the Church of England. Larissa and Ludger are recognized for their missionary zeal and dedication to spreading the Gospel. Richard Allen is revered in the Episcopal Church (USA) for his role in founding the African Methodist Episcopal Church and advocating for racial equality. The Eastern Orthodox Church also observes liturgical services honoring these figures, reflecting the deep spiritual heritage shared across denominations.

Celebrated on March 26 in Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, the Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel follows the Annunciation feast. It honors Gabriel’s role as the divine messenger who announced the Incarnation of Christ to the Virgin Mary. Liturgical services include special hymns, scripture readings, and prayers that reflect on Gabriel’s appearances throughout biblical history. Iconography of the Archangel Gabriel is venerated in churches and homes, often adorned with flowers and candles. The faithful attend Vespers and Divine Liturgy, seeking the archangel’s intercession and protection. This feast highlights the importance of listening to God’s call and embracing divine revelation. It remains a significant celebration of angelology and the spiritual guardianship in Eastern Christianity.

Harriet Monsell (1811–1883) was an Anglican nun and the founder of the Community of St John the Baptist, an order devoted to caring for the poor and marginalized. Established in 1852, the community revitalized monastic life within the Church of England and opened schools, refuges, and homes for vulnerable women and children. Monsell’s compassionate leadership and dedication to social reform left a lasting impact on religious communities and charitable work in the Victorian era. She is commemorated on March 26 in the Church of England’s calendar. This feast day celebrates her pioneering spirit and encourages reflection on faith-driven social outreach. Participants may honor her legacy through acts of charity and community service.

Saint Larissa is a figure in early Christian tradition who is honored for her unwavering commitment to her faith in the face of adversity. While historical details about her life are scarce, she is venerated for her courage and devotion. Her feast day falls on March 26 in certain liturgical calendars, including the Eastern Orthodox tradition. The commemoration invites believers to remember the countless unnamed saints whose sacrifices shaped the church’s foundation. Observers reflect on spiritual resilience and the quiet heroism of lesser-known martyrs in early Christianity.

Saint Ludger (742–809) was a Frankish missionary and the first Bishop of Münster, renowned for spreading Christianity in Friesland and Saxony. A disciple of Saint Alcuin at the court of Charlemagne, Ludger founded monasteries and churches that became centers of learning and worship. He established the monastery of Werden and played a key role in organizing the church’s structure in the region. His feast day on March 26 commemorates his devotion to education, community building, and pastoral care. The day celebrates his legacy of faith, scholarship, and intercultural dialogue. Participants are encouraged to reflect on the historical role of missionaries and the cultural transformations they influenced.

Richard Allen (1760–1831) was a prominent African-American preacher, educator, and the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, the first independent black denomination in the United States. Born into slavery, Allen purchased his freedom in 1780 and became an ordained minister, advocating for spiritual and social emancipation. In 1816, he organized the AME Church in Philadelphia to provide religious autonomy and community leadership for African Americans. The Episcopal Church (USA) observes his feast day on March 26, honoring his pioneering role in civil rights and religious leadership. This commemoration highlights his courage, vision, and contributions to faith and social justice. Observers may reflect on the intersection of spirituality and activism in Allen’s enduring legacy.

On March 26, the Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar honors a variety of saints, martyrs, and historical figures whose lives exemplified Christian virtues. The day may include commemorations of early martyrs, monastic founders, and local hierarchs celebrated for their spiritual leadership. These observances often involve special hymns, readings, and prayers that reflect the diverse spiritual heritage of Orthodoxy. The liturgical services help the faithful connect with centuries of ecclesiastical tradition and the examples set by these holy figures. Observing this day encourages deep reflection on communal faith, perseverance under persecution, and the continuity of worship practices across generations. Participants engage in prayer, fasting, and the singing of troparia specific to the saints commemorated.