VIKING SAINT KING OLAF OF NORWAY (JULY 29TH)

A Heroic Depiction of St. Olaf of Norway Commissioned by the Norwegian Government

Edited by Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West) 

In AD 995, in the northern lands of Norway, was born Olaf Haraldsson, son of Viking King Harald Grenske and Asta Gudbrandsdatter. From a young age, Olaf exhibited traits of valor and determination, traits that would later mark his reign as king. As a youth, he ventured far from his homeland, traveling to England, Spain, and beyond, where he learned Latin, studied the arts, embraced the Christian faith, and lit a torch of the Holy Spirit in his heart through the reception of Holy Baptism that would blaze throughout the darkness of the northern pagan world.

Upon his return to Norway, Olaf sought to unite his people under the banner of Jesus Christ. Crowned King of Norway in AD 1015, his reign was marked by both fervor and ferocity. He decreed the Christian faith as the state religion, tearing down idols and building up churches. Some of the most beautiful and famous "Stavkirk" (Stave Church) were built under his patronage. His passion for the faith was so great that he often led his men into battle, not only against his political foes but against the spiritual darkness of paganism.

The Borgund Stave Church, Commissioned by St. Olaf

Construction from the Side, Showing the Viking Ship Design Used

The Interior Sanctuary Follows the Ancient Precedent of Three Holy Doors and an Internal Holy of Holies

This Nearly 1000 Year Church Still Stands as a Testament to Incredible Shipbuilding and Water-Proofing

Mortice and Tenon Construction Did not use Nails

The Mystic Doors of the Stavkirk Represented Birth and New Life, Entwined with Serpents and the Tree of Life

The Outer Porch of the Stavkirk

The Borgund Stavkirk

Saint King Olaf was not merely a king; he was a worker of miracles and a man of profound piety. It is told that during a great famine, he prayed fervently, and the fields yielded an abundant harvest. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, and through his prayers, brought about the resurrection of a young child. His heart was ever inclined towards the poor and the needy, and he was known for his acts of charity and kindness.

Olaf's influence extended beyond his earthly life. His dedication to the Christian faith laid the foundations for Norway's enduring Christian heritage. Churches and monasteries were built in his honor, and his feast day, July 29th, became a day of great celebration. On this day, the faithful gather to honor his memory, participating in processions, singing hymns, and recounting tales of his saintly deeds, which were foundational to the identity and culture of the Nordic peoples.

In the year of our Lord 1030, at the Battle of Stiklestad, Olaf met his martyrdom. Though struck down in battle, his spirit ascended to the heavenly realms. Miracles were reported at his grave, and he was swiftly canonized by the church. His relics became a source of divine grace, and pilgrims from far and wide journeyed to seek his intercession. Thus, we remember Saint King Olaf of Norway, a shining mirror of faith and a paragon of Christian virtue. His life and works continue to inspire the faithful, and his memory is enshrined in the hearts of those who honor his legacy. May his story be a guiding light to all who seek to follow Christ in truth and in deed.

The Oldest Extant Surviving Icon of St. Olaf of Norway, Depicted by an English Iconographer on Wood

COLLECT

Almighty and everlasting God, who didst endow Thy servant Olaf with steadfast faith and courage in the face of opposition, and didst crown his earthly struggles with a martyr's death: Grant that we, inspired by his example and aided by his prayers, may persevere in our Christian journey, and, at the last, attain unto everlasting life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without end. Amen.

A Contemporary Byzantine-Style Icon of St. Olaf of Norway