November 28

Pope Gregory III was elected in 731 and led the Church through a period of political and theological upheaval. He convened synods to defend the use of religious images against Emperor Leo III’s iconoclasm and upheld the traditions of the Western liturgy. Recognizing the threat from the Lombards, he sought and secured military aid from the Frankish kingdom. Gregory oversaw building campaigns that reinforced Rome’s defenses and consecrated new churches. His efforts strengthened the papacy’s spiritual and temporal authority, influencing the future relationship between Rome and the Frankish Empire.

Born in 1247 near Hangzhou, Yishan Yining became a respected Chan monk in China before being invited to Japan in 1299. He taught the Linji school at the Kamakura shogunate’s court and profoundly influenced Japanese Zen practice. Yining authored poetry and religious treatises that blended Chinese Chan philosophy with Japanese aesthetics. His role as a cultural bridge earned him recognition as one of the ‘Five Mountains’ masters in Japan’s Buddhist establishment. He died in 1317, leaving an enduring spiritual and literary legacy.

James joined the Franciscan Order and became known for his fervent sermons and dedication to pastoral care. He traveled across Italy, Germany, and the Balkans, working to reinforce church teachings and address heretical movements. Appointed as a papal legate and inquisitor, he played a key role in countering Ottoman influence in Southeastern Europe. His writings and letters provide insight into the religious challenges of his era. James died in 1476 and was later canonized for his lifelong commitment to his faith.

Leonard Hoar (1630–1675) was an English-born Puritan minister who emigrated to Massachusetts. He became the third official—and first formally titled—president of Harvard College in 1672. Hoar introduced new teaching methods and sought to expand the curriculum beyond classical studies. His reforms met resistance from faculty and students, leading to disputes and his resignation in 1675. Despite a brief and contentious presidency, his efforts foreshadowed later academic developments at Harvard.

Athanasius Kircher (1601–1680) was a German Jesuit scholar celebrated as the 'last Renaissance man.' His voluminous writings attempted to explain everything from ancient hieroglyphs to subterranean geology. Kircher established one of Europe's first natural history museums in Rome, the Musaeum Kircherianum. He published groundbreaking studies on magnetism, language origins, and musical acoustics. Though some theories were later revised, his curiosity and interdisciplinary approach inspired centuries of research.

Orson Hyde was an American religious leader born in Trenton, New York, in 1805, and an original member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After converting to the faith in 1831, he served missions across the United States and Europe, helping to establish new congregations. In 1841, Hyde traveled to Jerusalem and dedicated the land for the gathering of the Jews, a historic first for the LDS Church. He became the third President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1875, providing spiritual guidance and administrative leadership. Hyde's writings and sermons influenced early Mormon theology, and he remained a prominent figure until his death in 1878.

Aires de Ornelas e Vasconcelos was born in Lisbon in 1837 and ordained a priest in 1860 before embarking on missionary service. He was appointed Bishop of São Tomé in 1863 and elevated to Archbishop of Goa and Daman in 1867, where he guided the Portuguese colonial church. Vasconcelos worked to strengthen ecclesiastical structures, promoted local clergy training, and engaged in dialogue with colonial authorities. He convened synods to improve pastoral care and championed educational initiatives for the region's diverse population. Celebrated for his administrative skill and deep spirituality, he served until his death in 1880, leaving a lasting impact on the Indian church.

Abdu'l-Bahá (1844–1921), born Abbas Effendi, was the appointed successor who guided the Baháʼí community through its formative years. He promoted principles of universal peace, equality, and interfaith harmony, addressing audiences in Europe and North America during his travels. His writings and talks on social justice, education, and the eradication of prejudice resonated with diverse audiences. Abdu'l-Bahá strengthened the administrative structures and global reach of the Baháʼí Faith. Revered by his followers for his compassion and insight, his teachings continue to shape the faith's direction.

Constantine VI of Constantinople (1859–1930) served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople from 1924 to 1925. He navigated the Orthodox Church through a turbulent post-Ottoman period, addressing challenges of secularization in Turkey and the displacement of Christian communities. Patriarch Constantine advocated for religious education and the preservation of the church's heritage. His tenure saw efforts to strengthen connections among Orthodox dioceses. Remembered for his pastoral care and administrative reforms, he remains a notable figure in modern ecclesiastical history.