Today the Church remembers and honors St. Alban from the British Isles who is considered to be the first martyr in Britain who died during the persecution under the Emperor Diocletian around the year 304. (Some scholars now date his death around 209 during the persecution under the Emperor Septimius Severus).
Alban was a pagan, and a soldier in the Roman Army. During a persecution, Alban hid a priest in his house. The priest made such a great impression on him that Alban received instructions and became a Christian himself.
In the meantime, the governor had been told that the priest was hiding in Alban’s house, and he sent his soldiers to capture him. But Alban changed clothes with his guest, and gave himself up in his stead. The judge was furious when he found out that the priest had escaped and he said to Alban, “You will get the punishment he was to get unless you worship the gods.” Alban answered that he would never worship those false gods again. The judge asked: “To what family do you belong?” “That does not concern you,” Alban responded. “If you want to know my religion, I am a Christian.” Angrily the judge commanded him again to sacrifice to the gods at once. “Your sacrifices are offered to devils,” answered Alban.
Since he was getting nowhere, the judge had Alban whipped. Then he commanded him to be beheaded. On the way to the place of execution, the soldier who was to execute Alban was converted himself, and he too, became a martyr.
Let us pray: Almighty God, by whose grace and power your holy martyr Alban triumphed over suffering and was faithful even unto death: Grant to us, who now remember him with thanksgiving, to be so faithful in our witness to you in this world, that we may receive with him the crown of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
26 June, the Second Sunday after Pentecost and traditional jazz by Chosen Vessels.
26 June 2011, Bishop’s Committee Meeting in Sutton Hall during the Fellowship hour.
8 July 2011 at St. Augustine’s Sutton Hall from noon to 3 p.m. S.A.S.S. will host “A 2011 Update: The Latest Info about HIV/AIDS” with Paul Simmons, RN, ACRN, the Executive Director of Center for AIDS Houston. Lunch will be provided free of cost, and the seminar is free of cost as well. Reserve your spot today at galvestonsass@gmail.com.
Please remember everyone on our prayer list, especially Evelyn McNeill.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
Alban was a pagan, and a soldier in the Roman Army. During a persecution, Alban hid a priest in his house. The priest made such a great impression on him that Alban received instructions and became a Christian himself.
In the meantime, the governor had been told that the priest was hiding in Alban’s house, and he sent his soldiers to capture him. But Alban changed clothes with his guest, and gave himself up in his stead. The judge was furious when he found out that the priest had escaped and he said to Alban, “You will get the punishment he was to get unless you worship the gods.” Alban answered that he would never worship those false gods again. The judge asked: “To what family do you belong?” “That does not concern you,” Alban responded. “If you want to know my religion, I am a Christian.” Angrily the judge commanded him again to sacrifice to the gods at once. “Your sacrifices are offered to devils,” answered Alban.
Since he was getting nowhere, the judge had Alban whipped. Then he commanded him to be beheaded. On the way to the place of execution, the soldier who was to execute Alban was converted himself, and he too, became a martyr.
Let us pray: Almighty God, by whose grace and power your holy martyr Alban triumphed over suffering and was faithful even unto death: Grant to us, who now remember him with thanksgiving, to be so faithful in our witness to you in this world, that we may receive with him the crown of life; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
CALENDAR REMINDERS
26 June, the Second Sunday after Pentecost and traditional jazz by Chosen Vessels.
26 June 2011, Bishop’s Committee Meeting in Sutton Hall during the Fellowship hour.
8 July 2011 at St. Augustine’s Sutton Hall from noon to 3 p.m. S.A.S.S. will host “A 2011 Update: The Latest Info about HIV/AIDS” with Paul Simmons, RN, ACRN, the Executive Director of Center for AIDS Houston. Lunch will be provided free of cost, and the seminar is free of cost as well. Reserve your spot today at galvestonsass@gmail.com.
Please remember everyone on our prayer list, especially Evelyn McNeill.
Your servant in Christ,
Fr. Chester J. Makowski+
St. Augustine of Hippo Episcopal Church
Galveston, Texas 77550
No comments:
Post a Comment