September 03

Gerard Thom (d. 1120), known as Blessed Gerard, founded the Knights Hospitaller in Jerusalem. Originally focused on caring for sick pilgrims, his order evolved into a military and religious organization. Under his leadership, the Order of St. John established hospitals and fortifications across the Holy Land. The Hospitallers became one of the most powerful crusader orders, balancing martial and charitable missions. Gerard's vision laid the foundation for centuries of religious and military service. He was beatified for his dedication to Christian charity and remains a patron of the Order.

Joanikije II (d. 1354) served as the Serbian Orthodox Patriarch during a golden age of medieval Serbia. He oversaw the expansion of monastic culture and the construction of significant monasteries. Joanikije guided the church through political upheavals and maintained close ties with the Serbian monarchy. He was later canonized as a saint for his piety and contributions to Serbian spirituality. His tenure strengthened the autonomy of the Serbian Church within the Orthodox world. Joanikije's legacy endures in the churches and monastic traditions he fostered.

Rafailo Momčilović (1875–1941) was a Serbian Orthodox hegumen (abbot) and accomplished painter. As head of his monastery, he oversaw spiritual life and produced religious iconography in the Byzantine tradition. His murals and icons embellished churches across Serbia, blending liturgical symbolism with artistic sensitivity. A gifted illustrator, Momčilović contributed to the revival of Orthodox art in the early 20th century. Living through tumultuous political changes, he maintained the integrity of ecclesiastical aesthetics amid the Balkan upheavals. His legacy endures in the frescoes and religious artworks preserved in Serbian monasteries.

Sun Myung Moon (1920–2012) was a Korean religious leader and entrepreneur best known for founding the Unification Church in 1954. He led his followers around the world through large-scale evangelism, peace initiatives, and mass wedding ceremonies. Under his leadership, the movement established businesses, media outlets, and academic institutions across multiple countries. Moon was a polarizing figure, praised by supporters for his spiritual vision and criticized by others for his unorthodox beliefs. His efforts in interfaith dialogue and anti-communism activism garnered international attention. Moon's multifaceted legacy continues through the organizations and communities he created.