October 15

Theophilus of Alexandria served as the Patriarch of Alexandria from 385 to 412. He is known for his strong stance against the teachings of Origen and his involvement in Christological controversies. Under his leadership, the Catechetical School of Alexandria shifted focus and many pagan temples were converted into churches. He commissioned extensive building projects, including the construction of the famous church of St. Theonas. His tenure marked a formative period in shaping early Christian doctrine and institutional authority in Alexandria.

Born Hedwig von Andechs in 1174 to the noble House of Andechs, she married Henry I of Silesia at age 12 and became Duchess of Silesia. Deeply committed to her Christian faith, she established hospitals, monasteries, and schools across Silesia and Bavaria. She personally tended to the sick and poor, modeling humility and service beyond her royal status. After her husband's death, she took a vow of poverty and devoted herself entirely to spiritual life. Canonized by Pope Innocent IV in 1267, she became one of the first female saints of Poland and Germany. Her enduring legacy lives on in the monasteries she founded and the charitable organizations that bear her name.

Ordained as Bishop of Exeter in 1308, Stapledon became a trusted advisor to King Edward II and managed the royal treasury. He supervised the crown's finances during turbulent times, introducing reforms to stabilize the kingdom's economy. As a patron of learning, he founded Exeter College at Oxford in 1314, which remains one of the university's oldest colleges. His brother, Sir Richard Stapledon, was a respected judge and politician, illustrating the family's influence in law and governance. Both brothers were tragically killed by a London mob in 1326 amid political unrest, marking a dramatic end to Stapledon's career. Stapledon's contributions to the Church, the monarchy, and education left a lasting imprint on medieval England.

Elevated to Metropolitan of Moscow and All Rus in 1383, Dionysius I guided the Russian Orthodox Church during a formative period. He worked closely with Prince Dmitry Donskoy to strengthen the Church's independence from Constantinople and to rebuild after Mongol invasions. Recognized for his piety and administrative skill, he founded monasteries and reformed ecclesiastical governance. Dionysius supported the spiritual life of his flock by enforcing clerical discipline and promoting liturgical uniformity. His tenure helped lay the groundwork for Moscow's rise as the spiritual heart of Russia. He passed away in 1385, leaving a legacy of unity and resilience within the Orthodox community.

Born Bartolomeo Prignano in 1318, he was elected Pope Urban VI in 1378, ending nearly seven decades of Avignon Papacy. His fiery personality and strict reforms aimed at reducing clerical corruption alienated many cardinals. Within months, dissenting cardinals elected a rival pope, initiating the Western Schism that split Catholic Europe. Urban VI sought to assert papal authority through moral discipline, fiscal reforms, and centralization of church governance. Despite political turmoil, he maintained his claim as the legitimate pope until his death. His papacy reshaped the medieval Church and set the stage for major ecclesiastical conflicts.

He emerged in the late 19th century in Shirdi, Maharashtra. His birth and early life remain shrouded in mystery, adding to his enigmatic presence. Sai Baba preached religious tolerance, emphasizing faith (Shraddha) and patience (Saburi). He is credited with numerous reported miracles, healing the sick and guiding devotees. His teachings transcended religious boundaries, attracting followers across India. Sai Baba's legacy endures through temples, literature, and devotional music. He passed away in 1918, and his devotees commemorate his death anniversary annually.