The medieval church entered the 15th century is chaos. The Black Plague decimated Europe and John Wycliffe turned the church on its head. Amidst this confusion arose a dramatic figure who challenged the Roman church in many areas of doctrine and ideas. Jan Hus created a reform movement that was based on the ideas of John Wycliffe, the English reformer also known as the Morningstar of the Reformation.

Born to Czech parents in Hussenitz, Bohemia, he went on to be known as the Reformer of Bohemia. Jan received his degree in theology and then received his Masters degree from Charles University. He joined the priesthood and also taught at the university. His position as rector at the university exposed him to scrutiny reserved for those in high positions. His sermons exposed many issues relating to church abuses and basic theological issues. He was loyal to the Word of God and when the Word contradicted church practice. The ideas of Hus spread and his followers were known as Hussites.

The church authorities were angry with the Bohemian preacher and his archbishop excommunicated him on the charge of insubordination. He was asked to appear before the convening Council of Constance in 1415. The Emperor had given him safe passage and guaranteeing his safety. The brave Hussite priest was found guilty of heresy and was asked to recant; refusing to do so resulted in Hus being burnt at the stake in 1415.

Amongst Hus' last words are allegedly that, "in a hundred years, God will raise up a man whose calls for reform cannot be suppressed. Almost exactly 100 years later, in 1517, Martin Luther nailed his famous 95 Theses of Contention (a list of 95 issues of heretical theology and crimes of the Roman Catholic Church) into the church door at Wittenberg. The prophecy of John Hus had come true! He carried the torch that eventually was handed to Martin Luther and John Calvin. Nearly six centuries later in 1999, Pope John Paul II expressed "deep regret for the cruel death inflicted" on Hus. The pope then went on to suggest an inquiry as to whether Hus might be cleared of heresy. Czechoslovakia issued a stamp, Scott#1460 in 1967 showing the burning of Hus. At less than a dollar it’s worth the buy.

Tom Tarabicos is an Historian and Stamp Collector. He is a member of the American Philatelic Society (APS) and Collector of Religion on Stamps (COROS). He can be reached at tarabicos@historythroughstamps.com or you can visit his website at http://www:historythroughstamps.com  Ask a question about your collection or anything related to the stamp hobby.