Apostles

Andrew the Apostle, also known as Saint Andrew, was a fisherman who became one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus. Initially a disciple of John the Baptist, he later followed Jesus. Andrew is known as the First-Called for recognizing Jesus as the Messiah and introducing his brother Simon Peter to him. According to Eastern Orthodox tradition, the Patriarch of Constantinople is regarded as Andrew's apostolic successor.

Matthew the Apostle, also known as Saint Matthew, is recognized in the New Testament as one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. He is traditionally believed to be the author of the Gospel of Matthew, serving as one of the four Evangelists. While modern biblical scholars question his authorship, historical records indicate that Matthew followed Jesus as a disciple. Church Fathers like Irenaeus and Clement of Alexandria suggest that Matthew spread the gospel in Judea before embarking on missionary work in other regions.

Simon the Zealot was known as one of the apostles of Jesus, described as one of the most obscure among them. He was also referred to as Simon the Canaanite. His professional life is not extensively documented in historical texts, but he is believed to have been involved in spreading the teachings of Jesus and supporting the early Christian community. Some pseudepigraphical writings are connected to him, highlighting his role as a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ.

Stigand was a prominent Anglo-Saxon churchman in pre-Norman Conquest England, serving as a royal chaplain and advisor to multiple Anglo-Saxon and Norman English kings. He held the bishoprics of Winchester and Canterbury concurrently, which led to his excommunication by several popes. Stigand was recognized for his administrative skills and counsel to various monarchs, notably during the coronation of Harold Godwinson and the crowning of William the Conqueror. Despite facing pressure for removal, he remained influential in the royal court until his imprisonment and deposition in 1070.

George A. Smith was a prominent figure in the early Latter Day Saint movement, holding leadership roles within the LDS Church. He served in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and was a member of the First Presidency. Smith actively contributed to the establishment of communities in southern Utah and was involved in the events preceding the Mountain Meadows Massacre in 1857. The city of St. George, Utah, is thought to have been named in recognition of his contributions.

Quadratus of Athens, an Apostolic Father from Greece, was a bishop in Athens and a prominent figure among the Seventy Apostles in the Eastern Churches. He dedicated his professional life to spreading Christian teachings and guiding the early Christian community in Athens. Quadratus played a significant role in shaping the religious landscape of the region and contributed to the growth and establishment of the Christian faith in Athens and beyond. His influence and leadership had a lasting impact on the development of early Christianity.

Gustav Eriksson Trolle served as Archbishop of Uppsala, Sweden, during the Reformation. He was elected vicar in Linköping in 1513 and became Archbishop of Uppsala in 1514. Removed from office in 1515 due to rumors of alliance with King Christian II of Denmark, he was reinstated in 1520 after Christian's conquest of Sweden. He crowned Christian King of Sweden in November 1520. Trolle was later forced to leave Sweden and lived in Denmark before meeting with Christian in the Netherlands. He was mortally wounded in battle in 1535.

Guðbrandur Þorláksson was the longest-serving bishop in Iceland, leading as the bishop of Hólar for over 56 years. He is celebrated for producing the Guðbrandsbiblía, the initial full Icelandic translation of the Bible. This important work greatly advanced the spread of Christianity and literacy in Iceland. Guðbrandur's steadfast leadership as bishop and his efforts to provide religious materials in Icelandic had a profound and enduring influence on Iceland's religious and cultural heritage.

William Richards was a significant figure in the Kingdom of Hawaii, known for his roles as a missionary, politician, and diplomatic advisor. He made substantial contributions to the spread of Christianity and Western education in the islands, collaborating with Hawaiian royalty to establish schools and churches. Richards also played a key role in negotiating treaties with foreign powers to safeguard Hawaii's sovereignty. His efforts were instrumental in shaping the cultural and political landscape of the kingdom during a transformative period of modernization.

Theoleptus of Philadelphia was a notable Turkish priest recognized for his significant contributions to the Orthodox Christian community. As a prominent cleric, he played an essential role in advancing religious practices and supporting the spiritual needs of his congregation. Theoleptus is remembered for his dedication to preserving Orthodox traditions and his efforts in fostering religious education and community engagement. His influence extended beyond his local parish, contributing to the broader Orthodox Christian faith and its practices.