The passing of certain men marks the end of an era. Clement of Ohrid‘s life was one such legacy. He died on July 27, 916. Clement founded the Pantaleimont monastery. He was key to spreading Christianity in modern-day Macedonia. Clement connected his work to Cyril and Methodius, the apostles to the Slavs. With his friend Nahum, he expanded their mission into Bulgaria.
Clement is credited with starting Slavic written literature. He was highly educated. He wrote over fifty books in Balkan languages. Much of his writing involved translating church texts. These included psalms, chants, and teachings. His original works featured hymns and saint biographies. He wrote about Eastern saints, including Cyril and Methodius.
Ohrid was not a major city in the tenth-century Bulgarian empire. Some experts think Clement was sent there as punishment. He had disagreed with a Bulgarian prince. The dispute was about updating the Slavonic alphabet. Others believe Clement wanted the assignment. It was near his birthplace. Regardless of the reason, he supported the old Glagolitic script. He also adapted the Cyrillic alphabet for Slavic use.
In Ohrid, Clement established a school. It became the first Slavic university. Many young men came to learn from him and Nahum. Tradition claims they taught over 3,500 students. Many became church leaders and priests. They spread Christianity across the Balkans.
Clement eventually stopped working due to exhaustion. His death was a loss to the Bulgarian church. He was a key founder. His legacy included a long-used worship service. He is a highly respected figure in Bulgarian history.
ALSO ON THIS DAY
1099 – Pope Urban II, who had preached the First Crusade, died.
1649 – An Act for Promoting and Propagating the Gospel in New England is ordered by the English House of Commons, inspired by the work of John Eliot among the American Indians.
1749 – John Sergeant, missionary to New England’s Indians, died. Among his memorable actions was enlisting David Brainerd as a fellow missionary to the Indians.
1814 – Philanthropist Isabella Graham died in New York City. She trained poor women to learn life skills and habits of thrift and authored a best-seller, The Power of Faith. Her charities had been inspired by her Christian faith.
1926 – William Sangster is ordained in Wesley Chapel. He became one of the most influential leaders of the British Methodists during the twentieth century and was constantly appealed to Methodists to return to their roots and seek deeper faith. He also resisted anti-Semitism.
Accessed ChristianHistoryInstitute.org 26 July 2025.
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