Previous Saint This month Next Saint
[Today's previous saint] [back to Calendar] [Today's next saint]
THIS Edward was chosen, being only thirteen years old, to succeed his father Edgar A.D. 975, before which time the West Saxon kingdom had grown into that of the English generally. He appears to have been a good young king, and beloved by his people. After a four years' reign he was cruelly murdered, probably by the contrivance of his stepmother AElfthryth [Elfrida], whose son Ethelred was then elected king at the age of ten. The English Chronicles under the year 987 lament the crime without naming the criminal. Here was Eadweard king slain at eventide at Corfes-gate, on xv. kal. Apr., and men buried him at Waerham without any kingly worship. Never was done worse deed among Englishmen that this since first they sought Britain. Men murdered him, but God honoured him. He was in life an earthly king, he is not after death a heavenly saint, etc... The Sarum Breviary dwells much on his goodness, and he was popularly considered to have died a martyr... Under the year 980 the Chronicles say, Here in this year S. Dunstanus and AElfere ealdorman fetched the holy king S. Eadward's body at Waerham, and carried it with mickle worship to Scaeftesbryig [Shaftesbury]. Florence of Worcester [anno 979] says that the body was incorrupt (Blunt).

Service to St Edward
(under Liturgica, right-hand column)
http://www.orthodoxengland.org.uk/

Icons of St. Edward
http://www.allmercifulsavior.com/icons/Western.html
http://www.odox.net/Icons-Edward.htm##1
http://htmadmin.phpwebhosting.com/images/a-297.jpg


Previous Saint This month Next Saint
[Today's previous saint] [back to Calendar] [Today's next saint]