March 3rd: Today In World Christian History

March 5: Today In World Christian History

March 5, 2025 EMMANUEL ADEBAYO AJIBOLA

March 5 is an important date in Christian history. It marks key events and milestones in the lives of influential figures in the Church. This day includes significant changes in beliefs, missionary work, and leadership shifts that have shaped Christianity around the world. By looking back at this date, we can better appreciate the sacrifices and achievements of Christianity over the years. Here are some notable events that happened on March 5 in Christian history:

1965 – Death of Joseph Adetiloye (Born March 5, 1929)

Joseph Abiodun Adetiloye, born on March 5, 1929, later became the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) from 1988 to 1999. He played a vital role in expanding the Anglican Church in Nigeria and advocating for social justice. His contributions helped solidify Nigeria as a leading Christian nation in Africa.

1953 – The Ethiopian Orthodox Church Gains More Autonomy

On March 5, 1953, the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church gained greater independence from the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria. This marked an important step in Ethiopia’s journey toward full ecclesiastical autonomy, which was later achieved in 1959 when Abuna Basilios became the first Patriarch of Ethiopia.

1512 – Birth of Gerardus Mercator: A devout Christian and renowned cartographer, Mercator created the famous Mercator projection, which greatly improved navigation. His faith influenced his works, and he often inscribed biblical references on his maps.
1558 – Death of John of Ávila: A Spanish priest, preacher, and mystic, John of Ávila was later canonized as a saint. He was influential in the Counter-Reformation and is known for his deep theological writings.
1616 – The Roman Catholic Church bans Copernicus’ book: The Congregation of the Index condemned Nicolaus Copernicus’ De revolutionibus orbium coelestium, which argued for a heliocentric universe. The Church saw this as contradicting Scripture at the time.
1743 – First American Moravian Bishop consecrated: David Nitschmann was consecrated as the first bishop of the Moravian Church in America. The Moravians were known for their deep missionary work, including outreach to Native Americans and enslaved Africans.
1836 – Samuel Francis Smith’s hymn “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” is first performed: The patriotic song, which also serves as a Christian hymn, was first sung at an official event. Smith was a Baptist minister and wrote several hymns.
1924 – The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Latvia is established: The church gained autonomy from the Lutheran Church of Germany, becoming an independent Lutheran body.

1994 – Murder of Rwandan Anglican Bishop Augustin Nshamihigo

March 5, 1994, marked the assassination of Bishop Augustin Nshamihigo, an Anglican leader in Rwanda, just a month before the Rwandan Genocide began. He was a strong voice for peace and reconciliation, but his stance against ethnic violence made him a target. His murder foreshadowed the tragic events that unfolded in April 1994.

Notable Christian Figures Born or Died on March 5:

1616 – Death of St. John Joseph of the Cross: A Franciscan priest known for his deep humility and miracles. He was later canonized in 1839.
1904 – Birth of Karl Rahner: A significant Catholic theologian of the 20th century, Rahner was influential in the Second Vatican Council and modern Catholic theology.