Feast of St. Olaf Celebrated at Historic Church Near Tower Bridge

LONDON — Orthodox Christians gathered in the historic crypt of the Church of St. Olaf near Tower Bridge on Aug. 3 to celebrate the feast commemorating the translation of the relics of St. Olaf, King and Martyr. The services were held with the blessing of Abp. Nikitas of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Thyateira and Great Britain.

Matins and the Divine Liturgy were celebrated by the Rev. Economos Kristian Akselberg and the Rev. Presbyter Gregory Florides. Orthodox faithful from throughout London attended, including members of Christian Orthodox Thyateira Youth. The gathering took place in the church’s historic crypt, where the faithful joined in prayer and praised God for the witness of St. Olaf.

St. Olaf traveled to England as a young man, where he encountered the Christian traditions of the British Isles. After embracing Orthodox Christianity, he helped spread the faith among the people of Norway and surrounding regions. He was martyred in 1030 and is commemorated by Orthodox Christians in Britain as a pious king, saint, and martyr.

The Church of St. Olaf is considered among London’s oldest churches and stands near the site associated with the 1014 Battle of London Bridge. A church dedicated to St. Olaf was first built there in 1050.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the UOC released liturgical texts honoring Western saints.