Sergius also known as Sergiy Radonezhsky, Serge of Radonexh and Sergius of Moscow was a spiritual leader and monastic reformer of medieval Russia. In the village of Varnitsa he received the baptismal name of Bartholomew in honour of the Apostle Bartholomew. H e was an intelligent boy but had a problem with reading. His biography states that a spiritual leader gave him some holy bread (prosphora) to eat and then he was able to read. He was:- Abbott of Radonezh Miracle Worker of all Russia Russian Monastic Reformer Teacher of the Faith The memory of Segius has lived on thanks to the unique manuscript entitled The Life of St, Sergius of Radonezhs written by the famous hagiographer Pachomius the Serb. The original script is housed in the National Library of Russia. He is remembered in the C of E witha commemoration on 25th September.

Joseph William Livesey was an English temperance campaigner, social reformer, local politician, writer, publisher, newspaper proprietor and philanthropist. He engaged energetically in local politics, filled many public posts and was a leader in every kind of philanthropic effort, especially identifying with the teetotal movement. He published a number of publications TheMoral Reformer(1833) which became the* Preston Temperance* (1834-8). This became the* British Temperance Advocate.* Moral Reformer (1838/9) revived. The Struggle(1841) Preston Guardian (1844-1859) established with his sons *Teetotal Progressionist * (1851/2) Staunch Teetotaller (1867-9)

The Feast of Corpus Christi is a special celebration of the Eucharist - the Lord’s Supper- remembering the Holy Body and Blood of Christ. It is liturgically celebrated on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday or*** where the Solemnity of the Holy Body and Blood of Christ is not a holy day of obligation, it is assigned to the Sunday after the Most Holy Trinity as its proper day.*** At the end of the Holy Mass there is a procession of the Blessed Sacrament generally displayed in a monstrance -an open or transparent receptacle in which the consecrated Host is displayed for veneration. Corpus Christi wreaths, which are made of flowers, are hung on the doors and windows of the faithful in addition to being erected in gardens and fields. The procession is followed by the Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament. In Rome the Eucharistic procession is presided over by the Pope. In Arundel, England, they have a central aisle of flower heads laid down in a colourful pattern. The institution of Corpus Christi as a feast in the Christian Calender resulted from approximately 40 years of work on the part of Juliana of Liege, a 13th century Norbertine canoness. Source Wikipedia

Muriwhenua, to give him his full first name, may have been born with a hole in his heart but he had a whole heart for Jesus. Muri’ s uncle was the Maori bishop of Aotearoa and his mother, Meriana, hoped he would become an Anglican clergyman. Muri, on the other hand, desired to be a leader of a dance band! Aged 16 he went to Auckland to finish his schooling. He stayed at the United Maori Mission where Charlie Bennett was the minister. Charlie impressed Muri with his sincerity and genuineness. He attended a YMCA meeting and was asked, ‘Why don’t you receive Christ?’ He replied, ‘All right , I’ll give it ago’. Slowly a change in heart and mind happened. He read biographies of famous preachers and evangelists. In January 1954 Jim Duffecy, an Open Air Campaigner (OAP), landed in Auckland. Muri inspired by Jim gained confidence to take his own aggressive and unorthodox style to his own people. An OAP branch was opened in New Zealand - Muri was one of its first evangelists. He went to the USA but his heart was giving him problems. On returning home he went to hospital - given a 50/50 chance of surviving an operation. No operation until 17 years later! Those 17 years were fruitful ones for evangelism. In 1963 he married Ena. She was a loyal support and strength until the end. In 1970 he went to the Solomon Islands - the Charisma of Revival. There there was a new breath of the Spirit. ( See notes) In 1972 there were the Jesus matches (See short note). Muri was a prophet of God,singularly devoid of airs and graces, and worldly ambition. He took the Gospel of Christ to the Maoris -his brothers and sisters. Sources used Ambassadors for Christ editor J. D. Woodbridge - contributor David Stewart World Press - Donald Daily Victoria University of Wellington Library

Letsie ll is the only Catholic sovereign of a non-European lineage anywhere in the world. He has been credited with having promoting the principles of the Catholic faith in Lesotho Source Wikipedia

They were sentenced to be hanged in 2009 for converting to Christianity in Iran. For 259 days they were held in the notorious prison EVIN where they were tortured and interrogated. Eventually the United Nations’ Amnesty International enabled their release. After gaining freedom they wrote** Captive in Iran** which detailed their experiences. Source Wikipedia

For approximately 20 years he was an actor and broadcaster who specialized in theatrical story telling and performance poetry He wrote ’ The Street Bible’ . In 2004 it was the Book of the Year for the Christian Booksellers Convention Ltd (UK He takes you through the Bible in a very unconventional way. This fresh paraphrase- come-running commentary brings the text alive. Bible stories are retold as mini -blockbusters;psalms as song lyrics; epistles as emails. He unfortunately died of bladder cancer aged just 43 years of age Source Fly of the book

Saint Brigid of Kildare or Saint Brigid of Ireland is the patroness saint (mother saint) of Ireland. She is one of the three national saints with Patrick and Columba. According to medieval Irish hagiographies she was the abbess who founded the important abbey of Kildare (Cill Dara). It is said that she was buried at the high altar of the original Kildare Cathedral and a tomb raised over her adorned with gems and precious stones and crowns of gold and silver. On February 1st Brigid Crosses are weaved ( see picture). In 2023 it became a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland.The feast is shared with Dar Lugdach who tradition says was her student, close companion and successor. (There is a debate whether Brigid was a real person- read the notes.) Source Wikipedia

Saint Genevieve was a consecrated virgin and is the patron saint of Paris in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. She was recognized as the patron saint of Paris in the 14th century. She was recognized for her religious devotion at a young age. Miracles and healings happened around her from an early age. Her prayers saved Paris from being destroyed by Attila the Hun in 451 and other wars. Her organisation of the city’s women was called a ‘prayer marathon’ and her ‘most famous feat’. She was involved with two major constructions - a basilica for Saint Denis of Paris in 475 and the basilica dedicated to the Holy Apostles Saint Peter and Paul around c500. Between 885 and 1791 Genevieve was publicaly invoked 153 times during emergencies, Genevieve performed miracles both before and after her death. Sources Wikipedia Saints Over 150 Patron Saints for Today Editor Elizabeth Hallam

Saint Vincent de Paul was an Occitan French Catholic priest who dedicated himself to serving the poor.I In 1601 he was ordained as a priest and became the chaplain at court for Henry 1V of France. He became the tutor for an aristocratic until he was accused of theft. He remained silent for 6 months until his innocence was proved. Conversion dated from this date. For the rest of his life he combined his working with the rich and fashionable and with looking after outcasts, the sick and poverty stricken, galley slaves and abandoned children. He founded the* Cgngregation of the Mission or the Vincentians. He was zealous in conducting retreats for clergy for when the local clergy’s .morals were flagging. He was a pioneer in seminary education. He founded the* Daughters of Charity of Saint Vincent of Paul He was renown for his compassion, humility and generosity. He is the namesake of the Vincentian Family of organisations. Vincent was beatified in 1729 and canonized in 1737. In 1883 Pope Leo X11 named patron of all charitable societies. He is now venerated as a saint by both the Catholic Church and Anglican Communion. Note ‘occitan’ is a romance language spoken in Southern France Sources Wikipedia The Encyclopedia of Saints by Howard Loxton *Saints Over 150 Patron Saints for Today * editor Elizabeth Hallam

Anthony -born Fernando Martins de Bulhoes, was raised by a wealthy family in Lisbon… He died in Padua ). He joined the Augustine canons at an early age. Aged 25 he joined the Franciscan friars. He adopted the name Anthony from the name of the chapel located there, dedicated to Anthony the Great. He was sent to work work among the Muslims in Morocco. Ill health forced to return within the year to Assisi. His exceptional teaching and preaching talents were then discovered. St. Francis of Assisi chose him to teach Theology to the friars at Padua and Bologna. in southern France. He then preached against the Albigensian heretics in Southern France. Between 1227-30 he ruled the Franciscan province in northern Italy. He then retired to Padua and Pope Gregory 1X commissioned him to write a series of sermons for Feast days He died at the age of just 35 in 1231. he was canonized the next year ( one of the most quickly canonized saints in church history). He is the patron saint of lost property The story is that a novice borrowed his written psalter without his permission and was compelled to return it by a terrifying apparition. During his lifetime he gained a major reputation as a worker of wonders and miracles. He was noted by his contemporaries for his powerful preaching, expert knowledge of scriptures and undying love and devotion to the poor and the sick. On 16th January 1946 Anthony was proclaimed a* Doctor of the Church* by Pope Pius X11. Sources Wikipedia Saints Over 150 Patron Saints for Today editor Elizabeth Hallam

Wolfgang is regarded as one of the three great German saints of the 10th century. He was known as the Great Almoner. He was a gifted preacher, teacher, monk and bishop whose ability, learning and humility earned him the admiration of his contemporaries. He exercised a strong and valuable influence at the court of the Holy Roman emperors. He was the tutor to the future emperor Henry11. He was bishop of Regensburg in Bavaria from Christmas 972 until his death in 994. Here he improved standards of discipline and learning among the clergy and monasteries. Towards the end of his life he withdrew as a hermit to a solitary spot in the Salzkammergut region of Upper Austria. On his death a cult sprang up in Regensburg where many miracles of healing were recorded, notably of the stomach. He is the Patron saint for stomach pains. Wolfgang was canonized in 1052 by Pope Leo 1X. Sources Wikipedia Saints Over 150 Patron Saints for Today editor Elizabeth Hallam

St.Crispin and St. Crispinian’s Feast Day is October 25th. They were probably missionaries from Rome who preached during the day and worked as shoemakers at night. They are the patron saint for cobblers. They were martyred by being deheaded on the orders of emperor Maximian. The official who was tormenting them committed suicide first - he had been infuriated because the brothers had already survived downing and boiling. I have included a short word search. Source Saints Over 150 Patron Saints for Today editor Elizabeth Hallam

Theresa of Lisieux born Marie Francoise- Therese Martin is the Patron saint for Missionaries. She is widely venerated in modern times. She is one of 4 sisters who became a Carmelite nun in the same convent. She was only 14 when she experienced her conversion. She entered the order at the unusual early age of 15. Aged 22 she became assistant to the novice mistress. She considered volunteering for missionary work in Hanoi ( now Vietnam) but contracted tuberculosis and died, aged 24, after 18 months of ’ heroic suffering’. She is now one of the most popular saints in the history of the church although she was obscure during her lifetime. The Story of a Soul - her autobiography. written on orders of her prioress and edited by her eldest sister Marie, was an immediate and sensational success. Her spiritual memoir explains her theology of the ’ Little Way.’ Theresa’s immense popularity and reputation for holiness resulted in her being quickly beatified (1923)and canonized(1925) by Pope Pius X1. In 1997 Pope John Paul 11 declared her a Doctor. of the Church. Sources Wikipedia Saints Over 150 Patron Saints for Today edited by Elizabeth Hallam

Saint Lucy was a Roman Christian martyr who died during the Diocletianic Persecution. She is venerated at as a saint in Catholic, Anglican and Eastern Orthodox Christianity. The single fact upon which various accounts agree is that a disappointed suitor accused her of being a Christian which resulted in her being executed during the Diocletian Persecutions. Lucy is one of the best known virgin martyrs. Several pictures show her with eyes removed. She is said to have removed her eyes to discourage a persistent suitor from admiring them. When she died her eyes were some how miraculously restored. This is why Lucy is the patron saint for the blind. She is also the patron saint of the city of Syracuse (Sicily) St. Lucy’s day is celebrated especially in Scandinavian countries. Traditionally a young girl is dressed in a white dress with a red sash (as a symbol of martyrdom) and wears a crown or wreath of candles in her hair. Sources Britannica Wikipedia Saint Over 150 Patron Saints for Today edited by Elizabeth Hallam

Saint Hugh of Lincoln was born in Avalon in France - that’s why he also known as Hugh of Avalon. His mother died when he was only 8. His father, Guillaume, a soldier, decided to retire and together they went to the monastery of Villard-Benoit, near Grenoble Aged 15 Saint Hugh became a religious novice. Aged 19 he was ordained a deacon. On his father’s death in about 1165 he joined the monks at the Carthusian motherhouse of La Grande Chartreuse near Grenoble. He was ordained a priest and later became procurator of the housse ( c.1170). In 1179/80 he came to England where he was appointed by Henry11 to be the first prior of the Carthusian house of Witham in Essex. He became bishop of Lincoln in 1186. He was consecrated at Westminster. As both prior and bishop he defended the church’s liberties and gained respect from the monarchy. In 1185 Lincoln cathedral had been was badly damaged because of an earthquake. Saint Hugh set about rebuilding and greatly enlarging it in the new Gothic style. He was now one of the premier bishops in the UK and acted as a diplomat… Following visit to La Grande Chartreusein in 1200, to promote peace between King John of England and King Philip Augustus of France, he fell ill. He died in London and was buried in Lincoln Cathedral on November 24th , 1200. Two kings, 17 bishops, nobles and crowds of the common people came to the funeral of this much loved man. Saint Hugh is often shown with a swan by his side. This is because at his palace at Stow Park he had a pet wild swan. It would follow him everywhere, looking for food in his clothes, ’ walking ’ upstairs in the house and even guarding him while he slept. At the time of the Reformation he was the best known saint after Thomas Becket. Sources used wikipedia Britannica Online Encyclopedia The Church’s Year by Charles Alexander

While looking for a list of 21st century Christian to use to write more profiles about I came across this list of 20 Christians written by Scott Wilson for Church Ministry ED . Scott has done my homework for me. Scott has written short notes, with a picture, about each of the 20 he chose. He gives his reasons for including 5 famous Christians who have already died because they continue to tribute and influence Christians today. I have added a word search ( with answer sheet) to his notes.

I decided to find out further information about the Top 20 leaders!! Using Wikipedia I found extra information about most of them - see breakdown on first sheet. For Billy Graham and Martin Luther King I have already done profiles for them in TES. For John Mark Comer I used* Pastors Bio*. For Pope Francis there are lots of page about him on Wikipedia. For Jim Winker I could only find a single paragraph. I hope this helps you in your research.

Saint Apollonia was one of the group of virgin saints who suffered in Alexandra during a local uprising against the Christians prior to the persecution of Decius. According to church tradition her torture included having all her teeth violently pulled or shattered. This is why she is regarded as the patroness of dentistry and those suffering from toothache.or other dental problems. She was probably a deaconess and held in high esteem. Men seized her and broke and repeatedly broke her teeth. They then took her outside the city and erected a pile of wood to burn her alive… She refused to repeat blasphemous against Christ. Given, at her own request, a little freedom, she sprang quickly into the fire and was burned to death. Saint Apollonia is represented in art with pincers in which a tooth is held. Sources Wikipedia Saints Over 150 patron Saints for Today Editor Elizabeth Hallam

Just three short pieces of information about the hermit Saint Antony of Egypt who is remembered on January 17th.