IN TODAY’S LIVES OF THE SAINTS AND MARTYRS, A GOOD KING-—AND MARTYR

Winchester, VA – Wenceslaus was born around the year 907 in Prague, the son of Duke Vratislaus I. When Wenceslaus became of age, he assumed control of the government from his mother, who was regent, and placed the duchy of Bohemia under the protection of Germany. He reintroduced the Latin rite of Christianity to the area, and divided the country between himself and his brother Boleslav to prevent future disputes between them. This was to no avail, as Boleslav and three cohorts plotted together to ambush Wenceslaus as he visited his brother to celebrate the Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damian. Wenceslaus was murdered on September 28, 937, at about 28 years of age. He was considered a saint and martyr immediately upon his death, and Holy Roman Emperor Otto I would posthumously confer upon the Duke the title of King, which is why we sing of Good King Wenceslaus. It is said that Wenceslaus would rise from his bed late at night, and barefoot, would traverse the land to local churches to give alms to the widows, orphans and prisoners. St. Wenceslaus, pray for us!

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