GOOD KING WENCESLAUS (SEPT. 28TH)

 

St. Wenceslaus, King and Martyr

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West)

Today, we celebrate the Glorious and Orthodox Saint King, Wenceslaus, Confessor and Martyr for the Christian Faith. 

King Wenceslaus was born in 911 AD, was taught by his mother to be pious, and studied with monastics until the time of his enthronement in 923 AD. He was a peacemaker, a unifier of Bohemia, a supporter of the Church, a mighty leader in battle, and a kind protector to the poor. 

St. Wenceslaus as Warrior King

St. Wenceslaus Bearing the Banner of Bohemia

Wenceslaus Square, Prague 

St. Wenceslaus’ generosity was legendary and his desire to help the orphans and widows of his land would be imitated throughout all Europe. His journeys through snow and ice to give presents and fuel to the poor, the widows, and the fatherless for Christmas made him a prototype for the modern-day Santa Claus, as much as St. Nicholas of Smyrna lent the secular character his name. 

St. Wenceslaus Delivering Light and Fuel

St. Wenceslaus as a Prototype of Santa Claus 

Despite his exemplary and selfless rule, St. Wenceslaus’ decision to maintain a celibate monastic life as king led to his overthrow and murder by followers of his younger brother on September 28th, 935 AD. His last words were, “Brother, May God forgive you.” He was murdered with his pectoral Cross clutched in his hands. 

St. Wenceslaus Struck Down by Evil Hands

The Murder of St. Wenceslaus by His Brother's Men

After St. Wenceslaus’ death, many of his loyal subjects claimed to see him in dreams, miraculous healings were attributed to his intercession before Christ’s throne, and his grave became a major shrine for pilgrimage throughout Europe. His name, sword, crown, and song all became major aspects of Bohemian identity, and he is now considered the Patron Father of the Czech People. 

The Tomb of St. Wenceslaus Chapel

The Crown of St. Wenceslaus

The Sword of St. Wenceslaus 

The Song of St. Wenceslaus 

COLLECT 

ALMIGHTY GOD, who taught the Martyr Saint Wenceslaus to place the heavenly Kingdom before an earthly one, grant through his prayers that, denying ourselves, we may hold fast to you with all our heart. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who livest and reignest with Thee in the unity of the Holy Spirit, ever one God, world without end. Amen.