On this day in 1536, the grim gates of Belgium’s Vilvoorde Castle opened as William Tyndale was led from the dungeons to the courtyard. Weeks earlier he had been marched onto the same grounds, admonished by local clerics, and stripped of his priesthood in ritual humiliation. Now formally expelled from the bosom of the church, … Continue reading William Tyndale: Priest, Bible Translator, and Martyr
Today the church marks the Feast of Holy Michael and All Angels. In the Anglican tradition this celebration is also known as Michaelmas (Michael Mass) and serves as one of the “quarter days” of British society to mark the beginning of the Fall quarter in the academic, financial, and judicial calendar. Many Christians throughout the … Continue reading The Feast Day of Holy Michael and All Angels
Today Christians the world over are celebrating the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. In the Anglican tradition, it is known as Holy Cross Day. Unlike other holy days, such as Good Friday, that commemorate the passion and suffering of Jesus, this is a day set aside to venerate (honor) and celebrate the … Continue reading The Feast Day of the Holy Cross
Today we celebrate the Feast of St. Mary the Virgin. For our Catholic and Orthodox brethren this day celebrates the Assumption (or Dormition) of St. Mary the mother of our Lord. At this point many of our evangelical readers have closed the article and have moved on. For those who haven’t I’d encourage you to … Continue reading The Feast Day of St. Mary the Virgin
Today we mark the Feast Day (Church of England) of St. John Henry Newman (1801-1890). He was born in London in 1801 to a banker and a mother from French (Huegonot) descent. At the age of 15, Newman underwent a conversion experience and became an evangelical Anglican. During the eighteenth century the Church of England … Continue reading The Feast Day of St. John Henry Newman: A Doctor of the Church
Today we mark the feast of the Transfiguration of Jesus, our Lord. This event is only recorded in two of the four gospel accounts (Matthew and Mark). Unlike other gospel stories, however, that give varying details regarding certain events, the details of the transfiguration are almost identical in both Matthew and Mark. Additionally, this event … Continue reading The Feast Day of the Transfiguration
This weekend (May 31) the Church remembers the Visitation of the Virgin Mary, mother of our Lord, to Elizabeth and Zechariah. This takes place between the Feast Day of the Annunciation (March 25th) and the Nativity of St. John the Baptist (June 24th). God used Mary’s cousin Elizabeth, who was advanced in years and had … Continue reading The Feast Day of the Visitation
Today Christians the world over celebrate the Feast of the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ (also known as Ascension Day or Holy Thursday). The feast day comes forty days after Easter to mark the period of time Jesus spent on earth after the resurrection. This year is a particularly special solemnity because the date … Continue reading The Feast Day of the Ascension
Today is the feast day of Saint Athanasius, known throughout church history as the “Father of Orthodoxy.” This title is fitting, yet he is not the first of the Early Church Fathers to defend the orthodox Christian faith. He is given this honor because of his fervent defense of the biblical understanding of the nature … Continue reading The Feast Day of St. Athanasius
Today is the feast day of St. Philip and St. James (the Lesser) apostles of Jesus. Most feast days commemorate one particular saint. On occasion, however, two saints will be honored together. St. Philip and St. James are commemorated together on this day because their relics were brought together to Rome in 560 A.D. The … Continue reading The Feast Day of St. Philip and St. James
What does it take to be a saint? Ultimately, it takes grace and mercy of God. For we all, who are in Christ, are awaiting sainthood. In one sense, we are already saints, but in another sense, we are not yet saints. Such is the reality of the already/not yet nature of the kingdom of … Continue reading The Feast Day of St. Catherine of Siena
Mark the Evangelist, widely known in the Scriptures as John Mark, has a very prominent role in the early history of Christ’s church in several respects. It is noteworthy that we are introduced to Mark’s household when an angel of the Lord frees Peter from prison in Acts 12. Upon his release, the apostle immediately … Continue reading The Feast Day of St. Mark The Evangelist
