January 14

Born Rastko Nemanjić, Saint Sava was the youngest son of Serbian Grand Prince Stefan Nemanja who became a monk on Mount Athos. Taking the name Sava, he secured autocephaly for the Serbian Church in 1219 and was appointed its first archbishop. He authored the ‘Nomocanon’, establishing a legal framework that blended civil and ecclesiastical law. Saint Sava founded monasteries and encouraged the spread of literacy and education throughout medieval Serbia. His leadership helped shape a distinct Serbian cultural and spiritual identity. He died in Trnovo in 1236 and is commemorated with a major feast day in the Orthodox calendar.

Thomas Beckington (died 1465) was a prominent English churchman and royal official. Educated at Winchester College and Oxford, he rose to become Keeper of the Privy Seal under King Henry VI and was appointed Bishop of Bath and Wells in 1444. Known for his administrative skill and patronage of architecture, he oversaw significant building projects at Wells Cathedral. His meticulous records and correspondences provide valuable insights into 15th-century English politics and ecclesiastical administration. A patron of learning and the arts, his legacy endures in the study of medieval governance and church history.

Born Prokhor Moshnin in 1759, Seraphim entered monastic life at Sarov Monastery as a young man. He became known for intense prayer, ascetic discipline, and spending years in solitude in the forest. Pilgrims sought his counsel and healing miracles were attributed to his prayers. He emphasized the acquisition of the Holy Spirit and the joy of Christian life in his teachings. Canonized in 1903, Seraphim’s life inspired countless believers and continues to be celebrated liturgically. He died in 1833 and his relics remain a pilgrimage site.

Born in 1843, Creighton studied at Oxford and quickly gained recognition for his scholarly approach to church history. He published a multi-volume 'History of the Papacy' that set new standards for academic rigor and source-based research. In 1891, he was appointed Bishop of Peterborough and later became Bishop of London, where he worked to bridge Victorian society and the Anglican Church. Creighton also served as a Member of Parliament, advocating for educational and social reforms. His writings and sermons reflected a commitment to moral integrity and intellectual clarity. He passed away in 1901, remembered as a leading figure in both historical scholarship and church leadership.

Born in 1824, Benson was ordained in the Church of England and became deeply influenced by the Oxford Movement's emphasis on spiritual renewal. In 1865, he established the Society of St. John the Evangelist, pioneering monastic life within Anglicanism and emphasizing prayer and community service. Benson authored several devotional works, including 'Practice of Prayer,' which guided clergy and laypeople alike. Under his leadership, the order grew, opening houses in England and the United States to minister to the needy. Benson's commitment to pastoral care and liturgical worship left a lasting impact on Anglican spirituality. He died in 1915 and was later recognized as a saint within the Anglican Communion.

Born Paul Kulbusch in 1869, he served as the first Orthodox Bishop of Tallinn and all Estonia. During the upheaval following World War I, he guided his flock through political turmoil and was arrested by Bolshevik forces. Executed in 1919, he is remembered for his deep faith and pastoral dedication. Canonized by the Eastern Orthodox Church, his legacy endures in Estonia and beyond as a symbol of spiritual resilience.

Born in 1884, Eivind Berggrav served as Bishop of Oslo during World War II. He is celebrated for his outspoken resistance to Nazi control of the Norwegian Church. Berggrav organized underground church activities and supported the Norwegian resistance. He co-translated the Bible into a contemporary form of the Norwegian language. After the war, he became Primate of the Church of Norway and promoted ecumenism. His leadership and scholarship left a lasting impact on Norwegian society.

Arthur Blessitt began his ministry in the 1960s and committed to spreading the Christian message through unique acts of faith. He carried a two-inch wooden cross on foot across more than 360 countries and territories, covering over 40,000 miles in a continuous evangelistic journey. Blessitt documented his travels in books and films, sharing stories of encounters with diverse cultures and leaders around the world. He set multiple world records and spoke at international events, inspiring many with his dedication and resilience. His mission emphasized peace, unity, and spiritual awakening, transcending cultural and political boundaries. Blessitt continued preaching well into his later years, leaving a legacy of devotion and interfaith dialogue. He passed away in 2025 after a rich life of ministry and adventure.