November 05

Atticus served as Archbishop of Constantinople from 406 to 425, succeeding John Chrysostom and aiming to heal divisions within the early Church. A skilled mediator, he managed conflicts between differing theological factions and restored stability to the patriarchate. His extensive correspondence offers valuable insights into early Christian theology and ecclesiastical governance. Atticus supported the foundation of schools and promoted theological education throughout the empire. He is remembered for his compassionate leadership and efforts to reconcile opposing clergy members.

Mathilde served as Abbess of Essen from 973 until her death in 1011, guiding one of the most important imperial convents in the Holy Roman Empire. A granddaughter of Emperor Otto I, she wielded both spiritual and secular authority, enhancing the convent's status. She commissioned exquisite religious art, including crosses and illuminated manuscripts, some of which survive today. Under her leadership, Essen became a center of learning, culture, and religious devotion in medieval Germany. Mathilde's legacy endures through her patronage and the treasures she gathered for the convent’s treasury.

Alexandre de Rhodes was a pioneering French Jesuit missionary and lexicographer active in the 17th century. Born in Avignon in 1591, he arrived in Vietnam in 1624 and mastered the local language to aid evangelism. His most famous work, the Dictionarium Annamiticum Lusitanum et Latinum, laid the groundwork for modern Vietnamese orthography. Rhodes founded the College of Saint Paul in Macau to support missionary training and linguistic studies. His efforts helped establish a significant Christian community in Vietnam despite political and cultural resistance. After returning to Europe, he advocated for continued missionary work and authored several influential religious texts. He remains a celebrated figure in both Vietnamese cultural history and the development of lexicography.

Hans Egede was a Norwegian-Danish Lutheran bishop and missionary renowned for establishing the Greenland mission. Born in 1686, he felt a strong calling to evangelize and set sail for Greenland in 1721 at his own expense. Facing harsh Arctic conditions, he founded the settlement of Hope Colony (Haabets Koloni) near present-day Nuuk. Egede learned the Inuit language and translated religious texts, enabling deeper communication with the local population. His efforts revived contact with Norse settlements and laid the groundwork for future Danish colonial administration. Despite personal losses and health challenges, he persisted for over a decade in mission work. Egede’s dedication earned him lasting recognition, and he is still celebrated in Greenlandic history.

Born in 1860 in Massachusetts, Mary W. Bacheler earned her medical degree at a time when few women entered the profession. She volunteered with the American Baptist Missionary Union and traveled to India to serve underserved populations. Bacheler established rural clinics, provided essential surgical care, and trained local women as health workers. Her efforts improved maternal and child health in regions with limited access to Western medicine. She also documented her experiences in reports that influenced future missionary and public health initiatives. Bacheler’s compassion and dedication left a lasting impact on medical missions and community healthcare.

Donald Grey Barnhouse was an American pastor and theologian who founded the radio broadcast 'The Bible Study Hour'. Born in 1895 in North Branch, Michigan, he served as pastor of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. Barnhouse authored numerous books and articles on biblical exegesis and Christian doctrine. His engaging and scholarly teaching style reached millions of listeners and readers. He also co-founded Eternity magazine to address contemporary Christian issues. Barnhouse's emphasis on scriptural authority made him a leading voice in mid-20th century evangelicalism. He continued his ministry until his passing in 1960, leaving a lasting impact on American Protestant thought.

Born in 1924, he was recognized as the 16th Karmapa at age four. He guided the Karma Kagyu tradition, one of Tibetan Buddhism’s major schools. Following the 1959 Tibetan uprising, he led his followers into exile in India. From his seat in Rumtek Monastery, he re-established monastic and teaching centers. He traveled worldwide to disseminate Buddhist teachings and practices. The Karmapa founded institutes that continue to foster meditation and scholarship. He passed away in 1981, remembered for his spiritual leadership and compassion.

Born in 1895 in Salt Lake City, Kimball served as an LDS apostle for over 40 years. He became church president in 1973 and focused on global missionary work. In 1978, he announced the revelation extending priesthood and temple blessings to all worthy male members. Kimball emphasized welfare programs, family history research, and lay ministry. Under his leadership, church membership and temples grew worldwide. He authored books on faith and leadership within the LDS community. Kimball passed away in 1985, leaving a profound impact on Mormonism’s modern era.