7th May: Today in Christian History

7th May, 1274

On this day in Christian History, the Second Council of Lyons convenes with the goal of reunifying the Roman and Greek churches. Attended by approximately 500 bishops, it is ultimately unsuccessful because, although Orthodox delegates agree to recognize the papal claims and recite the creed with the filioque clause, the union is fiercely rejected by the majority of Orthodox clergy and laity.

7th May, 1429

On this day in Christian History, Joan of Arc leads the final charge ending the Siege of Orléans, reportedly after pulling an arrow from her own shoulder or breast. The victory marks a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War.

7th May, 1508

On this day in Christian History, Death of Nilus of Sora, a Russian monastic leader who advocated small monastic groups rather than huge monasteries and insisted each monk support himself by useful labor, among which was the copying and correcting of old manuscripts. He advocated mercy toward heretics.

7th May, 1823

On this day in Christian History, Russian Orthodox bishop John Veniaminov (St. Innocent of Alaska) departs from Irkutsk for Alaska where he will do notable missionary work and translate portions of the Bible into several indigenous languages. He will later serve as Metropolitan of Moscow. 

7th May, 1848

On this day in Christian History, while visiting Scotland, Tiyo Soga was baptized. He will become a great South African preacher.

7th May, 1859

On this day in Christian History, Guido Verbeck and other missionaries sail from the United States for the Orient, where Verbeck will become famous for his educational and translation work in Japan and will eventually be honored by the Japanese with the Order of the Rising Sun.

7th May, 1889

On this day in Christian History, Katharine Drexel becomes a postulant [candidate for acceptance into a religious order] with the Sisters of Mercy in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, where she prepares to found a congregation to serve African American and Native American people who are oppressed by discrimination and dire poverty.