St. James' Episcopal Church

St. Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr 19 April 1012.
The image is from David Nash Ford's excellent website called Early British Kingdoms.
You can reach the website by clicking on the image.

Today marks the feast of St. Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, who became a Martyr in 1012. Alphege had been taken by marauding Vikings and held for ransom, which was a common practice in those days. In fact, several other officials had been taken at the same time as Alphege. But unlike the others who had been ransomed and released, Alphege refused make to make the already overburdened people pay any more for his release. His captors, enraged by his defiance, eventually killed him. But not until he had been made to suffer hours of physical abuse. Alphege is often portrayed with an axe, the instrument that was eventually used to kill him, or as a shepherd protecting his flock.

Follow these links to learn more about the life of Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, Martyr 19 April 1012:
A Concise Biography
Wikipedia Entry
Canterbury Cathedral
Today's Lectionary


This stained glass window in Canterbury Cathedral tells the story of St. Alphege.