March 3rd: Today In World Christian History

March 3, 2025 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

Throughout history, March 3rd has been a significant date in Christianity. It is a day that saw the birth of great missionaries like Matteo Ricci, whose work bridged the gap between East and West, and the passing of Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a towering figure in African Christianity.

Whether through the lives of saints, the rise of revival movements, or the establishment of new Christian traditions, March 3rd stands as a testimony to the enduring power of faith and its impact on the world.

Here are some significant events in Christian history that took place on March 3rd:

Historical Events:

1889 – Death of Samuel Ajayi Crowther

One of the most influential African Christian leaders, Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther, passed away on March 3, 1889. He was the first African Anglican bishop of Nigeria and played a major role in translating the Bible into Yoruba, which helped spread Christianity in West Africa. His missionary work laid the foundation for modern Christianity in Nigeria and beyond.

1980 – Assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero (El Salvador) and Its Impact on Africa

While Oscar Romero was not African, his assassination on March 3, 1980, had an impact on African Christian movements.Romero, who stood against oppression and human rights abuses, inspired many African church leaders in their fight for justice, particularly during the Apartheid era in South Africa and dictatorships in various African nations.

321 AD – Constantine and Sunday Worship

Roman Emperor Constantine the Great issued a decree that made Sunday a day of rest for those in the empire, reinforcing the Christian practice of observing Sunday as the Lord’s Day. This was a key moment in the integration of Christianity into the Roman state.
1172 – Death of Stephen of Obazine

Stephen of Obazine, a French monk and the founder of the Abbey of Obazine, died on this day. He was known for his ascetic lifestyle and deep devotion to monastic reforms.
2009 – Installation of Archbishop Cyprian Kizito Lwanga (Uganda)

Cyprian Kizito Lwanga was officially installed as the Archbishop of Kampala on March 3, 2009. He was a strong advocate for human rights, education, and social justice in Uganda.

1510 – Birth of Matteo Ricci

Matteo Ricci, an Italian Jesuit missionary who played a crucial role in introducing Christianity to China, was born on this day. He was one of the first missionaries to learn Chinese culture and philosophy, helping bridge the gap between the East and the West.
1792 – Ordination of Charles Finney

American evangelist Charles Finney, a leader in the Second Great Awakening, was ordained on March 3rd. He was instrumental in revival movements and promoting social reforms like the abolition of slavery.
1969 – The Vatican’s Declaration on Birth Control

The Sacred Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s stance against artificial contraception in response to growing global debates.
1971 – Establishment of the Ethiopian Orthodox Patriarchate

On March 3, 1971, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church officially gained greater independence when Abuna Theophilos was enthroned as the second patriarch after Ethiopia gained autocephaly (self-governance) from the Coptic Church of Egypt in 1959. This marked a significant moment in Ethiopian Christianity.

St Katharine Drexel (1858–1955)

This American nun and philanthropist, who dedicated her life to serving Native Americans and African Americans through education, is celebrated on March 3rd. She founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and established schools across the U.S., including Xavier University in New Orleans.

Notable Birthdays in Christian History (March 3rd)

Matteo Ricci (1552–1610) – Italian Jesuit missionary who brought Christianity to China, integrating Western science and faith into Chinese culture.
William Greenhill (1591–1671) – English Puritan theologian and preacher, known for his biblical commentaries.
John Montgomery (1771–1854) – Scottish hymnwriter and missionary advocate, best known for hymns like Angels from the Realms of Glory.
James Craig (1682–1731) – Scottish minister and psalmist who contributed to early Protestant hymnody.
St Katharine Drexel (1858–1955) – American Catholic saint who founded the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament and worked for the education of African Americans and Native Americans.

Notable Deaths in Christian History (March 3rd)

St. Winwaloe (6th century) – Founder of Landevennec Abbey in Brittany, France, known for his monastic leadership.
Pope Saint Lucius I (d. 254) – Pope and Christian martyr during Roman persecution under Emperor Valerian.
William Godwin (1617–1700) – English Puritan divine, preacher, and theologian.
George Herbert (1593–1633) – Anglican priest and poet, famous for his devotional poetry, including The Temple.
Nicholas Herman (Brother Lawrence) (1614–1691) – Carmelite monk and author of The Practice of the Presence of God, which influenced Christian spirituality.
1889 – Death of Samuel Ajayi Crowther