"He who dies for Justice dies for God"

This web site is dedicated to the millennium of the martyrdom of Alphege, Archbishop of Canterbury, who was killed by soldiers of the invading Danish army on 19th April 1012 at Greenwich.

The manner of Alphege’s life and death has great significance for Christians today. He was the first archbishop of Canterbury to suffer martyrdom for the faith. Alphege gave up his life to protect his flock from oppression at the hand of the invader, refusing to allow himself to be ransomed. After his death he was much venerated, and came to be regarded as a saint who could be honoured by both Dane and Saxon. So Alphege is commemorated both as a martyr for justice and secondly as a symbol of reconciliation between peoples.

A Committee has been established to publicise the events that will be taking place to celebrate the millennium of the martyrdom, at both national and local levels.

It is intended that the millennium celebrations should be fully ecumenical and that all Christian traditions who honour the memory of St Alphege should be encouraged to participate.

Details can be found on this web site of the life of St Alphege, the churches and other organisations participating in the celebrations and the various events being arranged to mark the millennium. It also contains some resources (in the form of prayers, hymns, images and memorabilia) for those planning their own celebrations.

From time to time an update on the progress of the arrangements for the celebrations will be sent to all participating churches and organisations in the form of an e-letter. If you have not received or seen these updates then you may find past copies of these e-letters for Easter 2011, July 2011, Ocober 2011, January 2012 and April 2012 by clicking here.

The Millennium celebrations have begun

Although these events listed below have already taken place to mark the start of the celebrations some information may still be found by 'clicking' on the event. Events still to come can be found on the separate events page.

Thursday 19th April 2012 – Millennium of the Martyrdom

Sunday 22nd April 2012 - BBC radio 4 broadcasts

0545hrs a recording of the bells from St Alphege, Solihull

0810 Sunday worship from St Alfege Greenwich and also a full text of the actual service may be accessed

Next two events already notified

Sunday 20th May 2012

St. Alphege, Solihull - 1930hrs. Parish millennium lecture nr. 1 - Dr Giles Mercer - "The historical and ecclesiastical background to the life and matyrdom of St. Alphege". All welcome. This lecture will follow after the normal choral evensong at 1830hrs and will be preceded by refreshments.

Sunday 27 May 2012

St Mary’s, Deerhurst - 1700hrs - “Summer Series” Organ Recital No 1: by Mr John Holloway, musician, choir director and organist at Forthampton.