Christianfeast day:
Agapitus(Western Christianity), Eustace(Western Christianity), Evilasius, Fausta of Cyzicus, Glycerius of Milan, Jean-Charles Cornay(one ofVietnamese Martyrs), John Coleridge Patteson(commemoration,Anglicanism), José Maria de Yermo y Parres, Korean Martyrs, includingAndrew Kim TaegonandLaurent-Marie-Joseph Imbert, Theodore, Philippa and companions, Vincent Madelgarius (Maelceadar), September 20 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A range of Christian saints are honored on this day across Western and Eastern traditions, marking various feast days.
September 20th is observed in Christian liturgical calendars as the feast day for multiple saints, including Agapitus, Eustace, and Fausta of Cyzicus. In Western Christianity, these celebrations commemorate the lives and martyrdoms of early Christian figures. The Eastern Orthodox Church also marks this date with unique liturgical readings and hymns. Anglican communities remember John Coleridge Patteson for his missionary work. Vietnamese Martyrs such as Jean-Charles Cornay are honored alongside Korean Martyrs like Andrew Kim Taegon. These diverse observances reflect the global heritage of Christian faith and devotion.
feast day
Agapitus
Western Christianity
Eustace
Evilasius
Fausta of Cyzicus
Glycerius of Milan
Jean-Charles Cornay
Vietnamese Martyrs
John Coleridge Patteson
Anglicanism
José Maria de Yermo y Parres
Korean Martyrs
Andrew Kim Taegon
Laurent-Marie-Joseph Imbert
Theodore, Philippa and companions
Vincent Madelgarius (Maelceadar)
September 20 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
Agapitus(Western Christianity)
Agapitus
Western Christianity
Eustace(Western Christianity)
Eustace
Evilasius
Evilasius
Fausta of Cyzicus
Fausta of Cyzicus
Glycerius of Milan
Commemoration of Saint Glycerius of Milan, a 5th-century bishop known for his pastoral leadership and devotion.
Saint Glycerius served as Bishop of Milan during the mid-5th century. He guided the Christian community through a period of political turmoil and theological disputes. Though few records remain, traditions credit him with defending orthodox faith and providing for the poor. His feast day is observed on September 20 in some liturgical calendars. Faithful recall his commitment to pastoral care and the unity of the Church.
Glycerius of Milan
Jean-Charles Cornay(one ofVietnamese Martyrs)
Remembrance of Jean-Charles Cornay, a French missionary priest and one of the Vietnamese Martyrs, executed for his faith in Vietnam in 1837.
Jean-Charles Cornay was born in France in 1809 and joined the Paris Foreign Missions Society. He arrived in Vietnam in the 1830s to evangelize during a time of intense persecution. Arrested by local authorities, he endured imprisonment and torture for refusing to renounce Christianity. On September 20, 1837, he was executed by beheading at age 27. His steadfast faith became a testament to missionary courage. He was beatified in 1900 and canonized as one of the 117 Vietnamese Martyrs by Pope John Paul II in 1988. Pilgrims honor his memory each September 20 by recounting his sacrifice and dedication to spreading the Gospel.
Jean-Charles Cornay
Vietnamese Martyrs
John Coleridge Patteson(commemoration,Anglicanism)
Commemoration of John Coleridge Patteson, the first Anglican Bishop of Melanesia, who sacrificed his life for missionary work in 1871.
Born in England in 1827, Patteson was educated at Oxford and ordained in the Anglican Church. In 1861 he was consecrated Bishop of Melanesia, traveling widely by canoe to remote islands to baptize converts and train indigenous clergy. Known for learning local languages and cultures, he earned respect among islanders. On September 20, 1871, he was killed on Nukapu at age 44, becoming a martyr of the Melanesian mission. His legacy inspired the Melanesian Brotherhood and ongoing missionary efforts. The Anglican Communion honors his feast annually on this date, reflecting on his compassion and dedication.
John Coleridge Patteson
Anglicanism
José Maria de Yermo y Parres
Celebration of Saint José María de Yermo y Parres, a Mexican priest renowned for founding the Sisters of the Sacred Heart and his service to the poor.
Born in 1851 in Mexico, José María de Yermo y Parres was ordained a priest in 1878. He dedicated himself to caring for widows, orphans, and impoverished families during a period of social upheaval. In 1890 he founded the Sisters of the Sacred Heart, a congregation committed to education and welfare. Through his leadership, hospitals, schools, and care centers were established to assist the most vulnerable. He was beatified in 1963 by Pope Paul VI and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2000. His feast day on September 20 invites the faithful to continue his mission of compassion and social justice.
José Maria de Yermo y Parres
Korean Martyrs, includingAndrew Kim TaegonandLaurent-Marie-Joseph Imbert
Honoring the Korean Martyrs including Saint Andrew Kim Taegon and Blessed Laurent-Marie-Joseph Imbert, who suffered persecution for their faith in 19th-century Korea.
During the Joseon dynasty's crackdown on Christianity, Andrew Kim Taegon, born in 1821 in Korea, became the nation's first native Catholic priest. Laurent-Marie-Joseph Imbert, a French missionary bishop, ministered secretly to Korean believers. Both were arrested and executed—Imbert in 1839 and Kim in 1846—after refusing to renounce their faith. They are among over 100 martyrs canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1984. Their sacrifice symbolizes the resilience of the Church under persecution. The Catholic Church in Korea commemorates them on September 20, reflecting on their courage and enduring witness.
Korean Martyrs
Andrew Kim Taegon
Laurent-Marie-Joseph Imbert
Theodore, Philippa and companions
Commemoration of Saints Theodore, Philippa, and their companions, early Christian martyrs venerated in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Little is known about the lives of Saints Theodore, Philippa, and their companions beyond the account of their martyrdom under Roman persecution. According to tradition, they remained steadfast in their Christian faith despite torture and threats. Their collective witness is honored on September 20 in the Orthodox liturgical calendar with hymns and prayers. These martyrs serve as examples of courage and unity in facing adversity. Orthodox faithful gather to remember their sacrifice and draw inspiration for their own spiritual journeys on this day.
Theodore, Philippa and companions
Vincent Madelgarius (Maelceadar)
Remembrance of Vincent Madelgarius, a 7th-century monk and founder of the Soignies and Hautmont monasteries.
Born into a noble Frankish family around 615, Vincent Madelgarius renounced secular life to embrace monasticism. He established two important monasteries—Soignies and Hautmont—together with his sister, dedicating them to prayer and service. Vincent became renowned for his humility, hospitality to pilgrims, and miracles attributed to his intercession. After his death around 677, his tomb became a pilgrimage site, and veneration spread across the region. His feast on September 20 celebrates his contributions to monastic tradition and regional Christian heritage.
Vincent Madelgarius (Maelceadar)