25 May 2009

Commemoration of the Venerable Bede

Today our Synod commemorates the Venerable Bede. Be sure to check out the Treasury on page 1299. Here's some info from Synod's website (also listed in Treasury):

Bede (673-735) was the last of the early church fathers and the first to compile the history of the English church. Born in Northumbria, Bede was given by his parents to a monastery in Northern England at the age of seven. The most learned man of his time, he was a prolific writer of history, whose careful use of sources provided a model for historians in the Middle Ages. Known best for his book, The Ecclesiastical History of the English People, he was also a profound interpreter of Scripture; his commentaries are still fresh today. His most famous disciple, Cuthbert, reported that Bede was working on a translation of John's Gospel into English when death came, and that he died with the words of the Gloria Patri on his lips. He received the title "Venerable" within two generations of his death and is buried in Durham Cathedral as one of England's greatest saints.

Almighty God, grant us to enjoy, even as St. Bede whom we rejoice to commemorate this day, a steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, a cheerful hope in Your mercy, and a sincere love for You and for one another; through Jesus Christ, our Lord.

4 comments:

Rev. James Leistico said...

If I remember right, the tomb is outside the main sanctuary, on the west side. At any rate, I've been there and you haven't. grin.

William Weedon said...

Yeah, I SAW the post. You dog. ;) What's the topography like around Durham and how near is it to Jarrow?

Rev. James Leistico said...

you have to walk up a hill to get to the cathedral from the main part of town... I can't remember, but I think at least a portion of the University (Art Just and Steve Mueller's alma mater) is up there too.
as for Jarrow, no idea. go check Google maps or some such.

Past Elder said...

Durham is about ten miles South of Jarrow.

Durham is its own ceremonial country. It borders the county of Tyne amd Ware. Historically, the River Tyne was the border between Durham and Northumberland.

The monastery was a favourite target of the Vikings and the Church of England.