February 27: Today Day In Global Christian History

February 27, 2025 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

February 27 is one of the most iconic dates in Christian history due to the heroics of some Christian individuals in history. From the edict of Thessalonia in 380 AD to the abolition of slave trade in Britain. This date serves as a reminder of Christian bravery, values, and sacrifice.

Here are some notable events in Christian history that took place on February 27:

1897 – Death of Dwight L. Moody (Date Disputed, Some Sources Say December 1899): Moody was one of the greatest evangelists of the 19th century, founding Moody Bible Institute and pioneering modern evangelism techniques.

380 AD: The Edict of Thessalonica: Roman Emperor Theodosius I, along with co-emperors Gratian and Valentinian II, issued the Edict of Thessalonica, declaring Nicene Christianity (the faith defined at the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD) as the official religion of the Roman Empire. This marked a major turning point in Christian history, solidifying the influence of orthodox Trinitarian Christianity over other theological movements, such as Arianism.

1574 – Death of Martyr Dirck Willems: Willems was an Anabaptist in the Netherlands who was captured and sentenced to death for his faith. He is best remembered for an act of Christian love—he saved the life of a pursuing guard who fell through the ice, even though this act led to his rearrest and execution.

1807: Abolition of Slave Trade in Britain: The British Parliament passed the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, largely influenced by Christian activists like William Wilberforce, a devout evangelical who saw slavery as incompatible with Christian teachings.
1900: Boxer Rebellion in China Targets Christians: Anti-Christian sentiment was growing in China, leading to the Boxer Rebellion, where thousands of Chinese Christians and missionaries were persecuted. This was part of a larger effort to drive out foreign influences.

Notable Birthdays

Festo Kivengere (1919) – Ugandan Bishop & Evangelist: Born on February 27, 1919, in Uganda, Festo Kivengere was a prominent Anglican bishop and evangelist known as the “Billy Graham of Africa.”
272 AD: Constantine the Great (c. 272–337)
- The first Christian Roman Emperor, Constantine, played a crucial role in Christianity’s spread. He issued the Edict of Milan (313 AD), which legalised Christianity in the Roman Empire, and convened the Council of Nicaea (325 AD), which helped define Christian doctrine.
1807: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807–1882)
- The famous American poet, though not a theologian, wrote deeply spiritual poems, including the Christmas carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day.” which expresses faith in God’s justice despite suffering.
1902: John Steinbeck (1902–1968)
- The American novelist is known for The Grapes of Wrath and East of Eden. Though not overtly religious, his works contain strong Biblical themes, including suffering, redemption, and justice.

Notable Deaths

1890: Charles Thomson (1729–1824)
- Secretary of the Continental Congress and translator of one of the first English versions of the Bible from the Greek Septuagint (published in 1808).
1936: Ivan Pavlov (1849–1936)
- The Russian scientist famous for Pavlovian conditioning had complex views on religion, but he spoke of the importance of faith and the mysteries of life beyond science.