Faith Through the Ages - Today in Religious History
On September 3, 590, Gregory I was elected Bishop of Rome, becoming Pope Gregory the Great. He is renowned for his liturgical reforms, including the Gregorian chant, and for his pastoral writings such as the 'Pastoral Rule.'
Pope Nicholas I anathematized Photius, the Patriarch of Constantinople, at the Council of Rome, intensifying the Photian schism. This conflict over jurisdiction and doctrine deepened the division between Eastern and Western Christianity.
Richard the Lionheart was crowned King of England at Westminster Abbey on September 3, 1189. His coronation was marked by anti-Jewish riots, which were condemned by church authorities.
The Mamluks defeated the Mongols at the Battle of Ain Jalut on September 3, 1260, halting Mongol expansion into the Islamic heartland. This victory preserved Islamic rule in Egypt and Syria and is seen as a turning point in medieval history.
On September 3, 1539, Pope Paul III confirmed the formation of the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) through the bull 'Regimini militantis Ecclesiae.' Ignatius of Loyola and his companions were officially recognized as a religious order.
Oliver Cromwell, Lord Protector of England, died on September 3, 1658. His Puritan regime had significant religious implications, including the promotion of Protestant nonconformity and the readmission of Jews to England.
On September 3, 1752, Britain and its colonies adopted the Gregorian calendar, skipping 11 days. This change affected the dating of religious feasts, aligning them with the rest of Europe.
Frederick Douglass, the famed abolitionist and lay preacher, escaped slavery on September 3, 1838. His Christian faith deeply influenced his advocacy for freedom and equality.
On September 3, 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany, beginning World War II. Religious leaders worldwide called for peace and humanitarian aid during the conflict.
NASA's Viking 2 lander touched down on Mars on September 3, 1976. While not religious, this event sparked reflections on humanity's place in creation among theologians.