Alfred the Great

(Old English: Ælfrēd, Ælfrǣd, "elf counsel") (849 – 26 October 899) was King of Wessex from 871 to 899. Alfred is noted for his defence of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of southern England against the Vikings, becoming the only English monarch to be accorded the epithet "the Great". Alfred was the first King of the West Saxons to style himself "King of the Anglo-Saxons". Details of his life are described in a work by the Welsh scholar and bishop Asser. Alfred was a learned man who encouraged education and improved his kingdom's legal system and military structure. He is regarded as a saint by some Catholics, but has never been officially canonized. The Anglican Communion venerates him as a hero of the Christian Church, with a feast day of 26 October, and he may often be found depicted in stained glass in Church of England parish churches.


Propers for Alfred the Great - King and Hero of the Church

The Collect -

O Sovereign Lord, who brought thy servant Alfred to a troubled throne that he might establish peace in a ravaged land and revive learning and the arts among the people: Awake in us also a keen desire to increase our understanding while we are in this world, and an eager longing to reach that endless life where all will be made clear; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


The Epistle - Wisdom 6:1-3,9-12,24-25


The Gospel - St. Luke 6:43-49


Reference and Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alfred_the_Great
http://www.io.com/~kellywp/LesserFF/Oct/Alfred.html

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