January 10
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Christianfeast day:
Behnam, Sarah, and the Forty Martyrs(Armenian Apostolic Church), Gregory of Nyssa, Leonie Aviat, Obadiah(Coptic Church), Peter Orseolo, Pope Agatho(Roman Catholic), William Laud(Anglican Communion), William of Donjeon, January 10 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A celebration observed by various Christian traditions honoring saints and martyrs on January 10. It recognizes figures such as Behnam, Sarah and the Forty Martyrs, Gregory of Nyssa, and others. Observed in churches including Armenian Apostolic, Coptic, Roman Catholic, Anglican, and Eastern Orthodox.
Fête du Vodoun(Benin)
A vibrant celebration of Vodoun traditions and spirituality across Benin. Honoring deities and ancestral spirits through rituals, music, and dance. A key cultural and religious highlight in West Africa.
Margaret Thatcher Day(Falkland Islands)
An observance in the Falkland Islands honoring Margaret Thatcher’s leadership during the 1982 conflict. Celebrated annually with memorials and reflections on her impact. A day of historical remembrance for island residents.
Majority Rule Day(Bahamas)
Celebrates the first election held under universal adult suffrage in the Bahamas on January 10, 1967. Marked as a public holiday with national pride and reflection. A milestone in the nation’s journey to self-governance.
Behnam, Sarah, and the Forty Martyrs(Armenian Apostolic Church)
Armenian Apostolic Church feast commemorating the martyrdom of Behnam, Sarah, and their forty companions. Honors their faith and sacrifice in the 4th century. A solemn observance of courage and devotion.
Gregory of Nyssa
Honoring Saint Gregory of Nyssa, a pioneering 4th-century theologian and bishop. Celebrated for his influential writings on Christian doctrine. A day of reflection on spiritual scholarship.
Leonie Aviat
Commemorates Saint Léonie Aviat, co-founder of the Oblate Sisters of Saint Francis de Sales. Honored for her dedication to education and pastoral care. A tribute to her enduring spiritual legacy.
Obadiah(Coptic Church)
Celebrates the prophet Obadiah in the Coptic Orthodox tradition. Marks his contributions as a messenger of God’s judgment and restoration. A day of scripture readings and reflection.
Peter Orseolo
Honors Saint Peter Orseolo, medieval King of Hungary who embraced monastic life. Celebrated for his humility and spiritual transformation. A tribute to his legacy of faith and leadership.
Events
Julius Caesar crosses the Rubicon, signalling the start of civil war.
In 49 BC, Julius Caesar crossed the Rubicon River, defying the Roman Senate and igniting a civil war that ultimately transformed the Roman Republic into an empire.
The Western Han dynasty ends when Wang Mang claims that the divine Mandate of Heaven called for the end of the dynasty and the beginning of his own, the Xin dynasty.
In AD 9, Wang Mang usurped the Western Han throne, invoking the Mandate of Heaven to legitimize his Xin dynasty and reshape Chinese imperial rule.
Lucius Calpurnius Piso Licinianus is appointed by Galba as deputy Roman Emperor.
In AD 69, Emperor Galba appointed Lucius Calpurnius Piso Licinianus as his co-ruler in an attempt to stabilize Rome during the chaotic Year of the Four Emperors.
Pope Fabian succeeds Anterus to become the twentieth pope of Rome.
In AD 236, Fabian succeeded Anterus as the twentieth Pope of Rome, guiding the early church during a period of political tension in the empire.
Robert Guiscard conquers Palermo in Sicily for the Normans.
In 1072, Norman adventurer Robert Guiscard captured Palermo, securing Norman dominance over Sicily and altering Mediterranean power dynamics.
Philip the Good, the Duke of Burgundy, establishes the Order of the Golden Fleece, the most prestigious, exclusive, and expensive order of chivalry in the world.
In 1430, Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy, established the prestigious Order of the Golden Fleece, cementing Burgundian influence and chivalric tradition in Europe.
Stephen III of Moldavia defeats the Ottoman Empire at the Battle of Vaslui.
In 1475, Stephen III of Moldavia achieved a decisive victory over the Ottoman forces at the Battle of Vaslui, preserving Moldavian independence.
Archbishop William Laud is beheaded for treason at the Tower of London.
In 1645, Archbishop William Laud was executed for treason at the Tower of London, marking a dramatic episode in the turmoil of the English Civil War.
American Revolution: Thomas Paine publishes his pamphlet Common Sense.
In 1776, Thomas Paine published the influential pamphlet Common Sense, galvanizing American colonists toward independence from Britain.
Births
Husayn ibn Ali
Grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and the third Imam in Shia Islam, revered for his courage and faith.
Margaret of Austria
Duchess of Savoy and influential Habsburg regent who governed the Netherlands and Milan during the Renaissance.
Dutch nobleman and military leader who supported the early stages of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule.
Isaac Jogues
French Jesuit missionary who traveled to North America and was martyred for his faith.
Louis François
French nobleman and marshal renowned for his defensive prowess during the War of the Spanish Succession.
Joshua Barnes
English classical scholar and historian known for his editions of Homer and Greek texts.
Johannes Zick
German painter of the Baroque period renowned for his grand frescoes in churches and palaces.
Christian August Crusius
German philosopher and theologian who challenged rationalist orthodoxy and influenced later thinkers.
Thomas Erskine
Prominent British lawyer and politician who served as Lord Chancellor and championed civil liberties.
Deaths
Polyeuctus
Saint Polyeuctus was a Roman soldier who embraced Christianity and was executed for his faith in 259.
Miltiades
Pope Miltiades led the Catholic Church during the crucial transition to legalized Christianity after the Edict of Milan.
Agatho
Pope Agatho convened the Sixth Ecumenical Council and played a key role in resolving the Monothelite controversy.
John I Tzimiskes
John I Tzimiskes was a Byzantine emperor renowned for his military campaigns and administrative reforms.
Pietro I Orseolo
Pietro I Orseolo served as the Doge of Venice before renouncing power to lead a life of religious devotion.
Bretislav I
Bretislav I was Duke of Bohemia who expanded his realm and transferred sacred relics to Prague.
Al-Mustansir Billah
Al-Mustansir Billah was the eighth Fatimid caliph whose long reign saw both cultural flourishing and political turmoil.
Hugh I
Hugh I was King of Cyprus who worked to secure his family’s rule and protect the island’s independence.
Gregory X
Pope Gregory X convoked the Second Council of Lyon and pursued church unity during his short papacy.