October 26

Born in 620, Cedd studied under Aidan of Lindisfarne and became one of the early missionaries to the Kingdom of Essex. In 653, he was consecrated Bishop of the East Saxons and established a monastery at Tilbury. His evangelistic efforts extended to regions around London, Essex, and Hertfordshire. Cedd was respected for his learning and dedication to the faith, and he advised kings on religious matters. He authored a penitential code and was known for his peacemaking and counseling skills.

Cuthbert emerged as a leading church figure in Northumbria and became Bishop of Lindisfarne before being honored as Archbishop of Canterbury. He embraced an ascetic and hermitic lifestyle, retreating to the Farne Islands to deepen his spiritual discipline. Reports of his healing miracles and protective interventions contributed to his saintly reputation. After his death in 760, Cuthbert’s remains at Lindisfarne became the focal point of a major pilgrimage cult. His legacy as one of England’s greatest early saints endured through successive generations of believers.

Philip Doddridge was born in 1702 and became a prominent Nonconformist preacher. He led a dissenting academy at Kibworth, educating future ministers. Doddridge authored several well-loved hymns, including “O Happy Day”. His theological works emphasized piety, personal faith, and social reform. He traveled widely, preaching and establishing churches across England. Doddridge promoted education and welfare initiatives for the poor. He died in 1751, leaving a legacy of religious literature and ministry.

William Temple was born in Canterbury in 1881 and educated at Oxford University. He became a leading voice in the Church of England with progressive views on society and religion. In 1942, during the turmoil of World War II, he was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury and guided the church through challenging times. Temple championed social reform, supporting labour rights and the welfare state. He played a key role in fostering dialogue between different Christian denominations across Europe. His writings on Christian ethics and social responsibility influenced religious thought worldwide. Temple’s leadership and scholarship left a lasting legacy in the Anglican Communion.

Edwin Savage was born in England in 1862 and was ordained in the Church of England after theological training. He served in various parishes, earning a reputation for compassionate pastoral care and community outreach. Savage authored several books and articles on Christian living, theology, and practical faith, which became popular among both clergy and laity. His writings emphasized the importance of spiritual discipline, charitable action, and church involvement in social issues. He delivered numerous sermons that were published and distributed to support parish ministries across the country. Savage also lectured at theological colleges, shaping the training of young clergy. He passed away in 1947, leaving behind a body of religious literature that continued to inspire Anglican communities.

Bidia Dandaron was a prominent Buddhist teacher, translator, and author in Soviet Russia. Born in 1914 near Lake Baikal, he became a student of the Kadampa tradition and studied Tibetan Buddhism in depth. Dandaron founded informal study groups in Moscow, sharing translations of key Buddhist texts with fellow practitioners. His writings explored the intersection of Eastern spirituality and Western philosophy, making complex doctrines accessible. Arrested in 1972 during a crackdown on religious activity, he died in prison in 1974. His legacy endures through students who preserved his manuscripts and teachings. Dandaron is celebrated for reviving Buddhist scholarship in an atheistic state.

Mbah Maridjan (1927–2010) served as the juru kunci, or spiritual gatekeeper, of Mount Merapi in Central Java. Appointed by the Sultanate of Yogyakarta, he performed rituals to appease the volcano’s spirits and safeguard local communities. During the catastrophic 2010 eruption, he famously chose to remain at his post and perished in the disaster, earning international attention. His dedication reflected centuries-old Javanese beliefs that view volcanoes as living entities. Mbah Maridjan’s rituals and offerings were integral to local cultural heritage. His death prompted widespread mourning and highlighted the enduring bond between villagers and Mount Merapi. Today, he is remembered as a symbol of faith and tradition in Indonesia.

Born in 1946, Gabriel entered monastic life and pursued theological studies in Greece. He was consecrated as the titular Bishop of Komana under the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Gabriel oversaw Orthodox parishes in France, Belgium, and the Netherlands, ministering to diaspora communities. He promoted interfaith dialogue and worked to strengthen cultural ties between Orthodox Christians and other faiths. A noted speaker and theologian, he authored articles on spirituality and church tradition. Under his leadership, new parishes and cultural centers were established across Europe. His compassionate pastoral care and commitment to unity left a lasting mark on the Orthodox Church.

Giuseppe Nazzaro dedicated his life to serving the Latin Catholic community in the Middle East, guiding congregations in Syria and Lebanon. A respected theologian, he authored works on Christian doctrine and church history, earning esteem among scholars. Appointed as a bishop, Nazzaro led his flock through periods of social and political upheaval, offering steadfast spiritual guidance. His commitment to interfaith dialogue helped foster understanding between Christian and Muslim communities. Nazzaro's legacy endures in the lives of those he mentored and the writings he left behind.