"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.