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Icon of St. Hallvard, martyr,
with Sunniva, martyr (+ 1045)
Feast: May
15
St. Halvard
Vebjřrnsson, patron
saint
of Oslo, the capital of Norway, was of the region of Lier, near
Oslo. He was born about the year 1020. His mother, Torny, was related
to King St. Olaf, the enlightener
of Norway.
A woman
named Sunniva had fled to Halvard's ship for sanctuary from false
accusers. For harbouring her, Halvard was put to death. The men shot
arrows and killed both Halvard and Suniva. St. Suniva was buried upon
the beach, but the men hanged a millstone round the neck of Halvard to
sink him in the sea. However, his holy martyred body refused to sink,
which led to the discovery of their crimes. Typifying defense of the
defenseless, St. Hallvard became greatly loved and a cathedral was
built in his honour at Oslo, which however fell into ruin by the 17th
or 18th century.
Holy
Martyrs Hallvard and Sunniva, pray to God for us!
Icon of
unknown provenance.
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