Day of glorification of St. Olaf, King of Norway (29/07)

On July 29, Norway celebrates the Day of Remembrance of the King, St. Olaf II (St. Olaf) — national hero, unifier of the state and Patron Saint of Norway. The introduction of Christianity in the country is associated with his name.

Holy Blessed Olaf II Haraldsson, King of Norway (995 — July 29, 1030), baptizer and educator of the Norwegians, was for many centuries one of the most revered saints of Northern Europe. After the death of Olaf in the battle with bonds at Stiklestad on July 29, 1030, numerous cases of miracles from his holy relics were noted, which turned out to be incorruptible.

The glorification of Olaf as a saint took place on August 3, 1031. «Many then began to cry out to him in their prayers, asking for help in their needs, — is said in the saga of Olaf the Holy. — Such prayers helped many: some received healing from the disease, others — good luck on the journey or something else they needed». From the sandy hill where the king was first buried, a holy spring began to flow, from which people were cured of their ailments with water. Olaf's tomb under a spud in the cathedral of the city of Nidaros (now Trondheim — Trondheim) became one of the largest pilgrimage centers in all of Scandinavia. Temples were erected in honor of St. Olaf throughout Scandinavia and the Baltics.

In the town of Stiklestad, at the site of his last battle, a costume festival dedicated to the life and deeds of the Norwegian king continues all week before the celebration.

Norwegians carefully observe all cultural and religious traditions during the reign of this king. Masses are celebrated for pilgrims, concerts and performances are held in a medieval spirit, and exhibitions are open in museums dedicated to the festive event.

One of the main distinctive features of the — performance holiday, which reproduces the life and works of St. Olaf: The Saint Olaf Drama. The show attracts thousands of spectators every year and is recognized in Norway as the longest outdoor performance.

A huge medieval market has been open all week, where guests can find authentic costumes and jewelry from the early Middle Ages and take part in productions.

Saint Olaf is the last Western saint in time, also revered in the Christian East. In Russia, churches in Veliky Novgorod (where he lived for several years) and Staraya Ladoga were consecrated in the name of St. Olaf.

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