|
Icon of St. Alkmund, Martyr
Feast: Mar. 19
Alkmund was the son of the
king of Northumbria, Alcred. Prince Alkmund was noted for his charity
towards the poor and orphans. Murdered by agents of the usurper
Eardwulf of Northumbria, in about the year 800, at Northworthy (now
called "Derby") in Mercia, this Saint was much loved by the people and
at least six churches in England are dedicated to him. His relics were
translated to Shrewsbury Abbey, where rested also the relics of King
Edward Martyr, by Ethelfleda, Lady of the Mercians. (Later, in 1140,
they were returned to the White Church in Derby.) During the move, the
grave of the Saint exuded a heavenly aroma, showing that this Saint
rested in Christ, Who is "a good odour unto God." Holy Martyr Alkmund,
pray to God for us!
Icon by the hand of Aidan
Hart, Oecumenical Patriarchate, England.
|
