July 23

Haile Selassie I was born on July 23, 1892 in Ethiopia. He served as Emperor from 1930 to 1974 and became a symbol of African sovereignty. The Rastafari faith honors him as a divine figure and messianic leader. On his birthday, followers engage in ceremonies featuring drumming, chanting, and prayer. The day celebrates African heritage, spiritual unity, and the legacy of a leader who inspired Pan-Africanism.

On July 23rd, Christians remember Bridget of Sweden, John Cassian, Liborius of Le Mans, Heiromartyr Phocas, and others. Bridget of Sweden, a 14th-century mystic, founded the Bridgettine Order. John Cassian was an early monastic scholar whose writings influenced Western monasticism. Liborius, a 4th-century bishop of Le Mans, is celebrated for his pious leadership. Heiromartyr Phocas, remembered in the Eastern Orthodox Church, is honored as a steadfast martyr. The feast day is marked by liturgies, prayers, and reflections on their spiritual legacies.

Saint Bridget of Sweden (1303–1373) was a renowned mystic, pilgrim, and founder of the Bridgettine Abbey. She received visions of Christ’s Passion and authored the revered 'Revelations'. Her spiritual writings influenced late medieval piety and monastic reform. The Augustinian order she founded promoted education and charitable work across Europe. Her feast day on July 23rd celebrates her deep faith, literary legacy, and impact on Christian spirituality.

Phocas the Gardener was martyred in the early 4th century for sheltering Christians. According to tradition, he was recognized by his charity and garden fellowship. Betrayed by a co-worker, he refused to renounce his faith and was executed. His tomb became a pilgrimage site in Sinope, modern-day Turkey. The Eastern Orthodox Church honors him on July 23rd with special hymns and prayers.

John Cassian (c. 360–435) was a monk, theologian, and founder of monastic communities in southern France. His writings, including 'Institutes' and 'Conferences', shaped Western monastic practice and spirituality. He emphasized contemplative prayer, ascetic discipline, and community life. Cassian negotiated theological disputes of his time, seeking a balanced Christian orthodoxy. Western churches observe his feast on July 23rd, reflecting on his monastic legacy.

Liborius of Le Mans (c. 348–397) served as bishop and was known for his holiness and miracles. He established charitable institutions and strengthened the local church in Gaul. His relics were later enshrined in Paderborn, Germany, cementing Franco-German ties. Devotion to Liborius grew around his intercessory miracles, especially for kidney ailments. On July 23rd, the Church commemorates his pastoral zeal and enduring spiritual influence.

Blessed Mercè Prat i Prat was born in El Masnou, Catalonia, in 1880 and joined the Sisters of the Company of Mary, Our Lady. She served the poor and sick with devotion until the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War. In 1936, she was arrested by anti-clerical forces and suffered martyrdom for her faith at the age of 56. Pope John Paul II beatified her in 1998, recognizing her heroic virtue. Each year on July 23, Christians remember her courage, selfless service, and steadfast faith in the face of persecution.

Saints Rasyphus and Ravennus were early Christian missionaries active in 3rd-century Gaul. Tradition holds that they preached the Gospel in northern France before being arrested under Roman persecution. They endured torture and were martyred around the year 286 near the city of Sens. Over the centuries, their cult grew in popularity, with pilgrims visiting their burial site seeking intercession. On July 23, their memory is honored with liturgical services that recall their courage and commitment to spreading the Christian faith.

The Eastern Orthodox liturgical calendar for July 23 commemorates a diverse group of saints, martyrs, and hierarchs. Among those remembered are Martyr Apollonia of Alexandria, Saint Nikita the Stylite, and the Venerable Turibius of Astorga. Liturgical texts include special hymns (troparia and kontakia) reflecting the spiritual achievements of these figures. Parishes celebrate with Divine Liturgy, readings from the Epistles and Gospels, and veneration of icons. Fasting rules may be relaxed in honor of particular saints when their feast coincides with fasting periods. Orthodox faithful around the world observe these commemorations to draw inspiration from the lives of the saints and to seek their intercessions.