Æthelhard of Canterbury

the Abbot of Louth in Lincolnshire, was elected to the See of Canterbury in AD 790, through the influence of King Offa of Mercia who wished to find archiepiscopal support for his kingdom's interests. However, he was not consecrated until three years later.

After the death of Offa in AD 796, the Kingdom of Kent attempted to shake off Mercian supremacy and Aethelhard fled from Canterbury. Such action drew upon him a rebuke from Alcuin for deserting his flock.

Having been restored to his See, Aethelhard obtained a decision from Pope Leo III, in AD 803, annulling the right of Lichfield to be regarded as a Metropolitan See and confirming the Primacy of Canterbury. Suggestions of relocating the Kentish Archiepiscopate to London were rejected. In the same year, the Synod of decreed that all newly elected bishops must make a written profession of their orthodoxy and give a promise of obedience to Canterbury. Aethelhard's death took place on 12th May AD 805. He should not be confused with Aethelhard who was Bishop of Winchester in the early 760s.


Æthelhard - 12 May - Archbishop of Canterbury

The Collect.

O GOD, who hast brought us near to an innumerable company of Angels, and to the spirits of just men made perfect: Grant us during our pilgrimage to abide in their fellowship, and in our Country to become partakers of their joy; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Epistle - Hebrews 12:1-2.

SEEING we also are compassed about with so great a of cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.


The Gospel - St. Luke 6:17-23.

JESUS came down and stood in the plain, with the company of his disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem, and from the sea coasts of Tyre and Sidon, which came to hear him, and to be healed of their diseases; and they that were vexed with unclean spirits: and they were healed. And the whole multitude sought to touch him: for there went virtue out of him, and healed them all. And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man's sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven.


Reference and Resources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%86thelhard
http://www.celticsaints.org/2012/0512b.html
http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-ethelhard-of-canterbury/
http://www.earlybritishkingdoms.com/adversaries/bios/aethelhard.html

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