St Ethelred

Commemorated May 4

On this day we commemorate the holy king Ethelred of Mercia, who reposed in the year 716 .

Born into a royal house amid conflict between paganism and Christianity, he was formed in faith and wisdom, spending time among the monks and inclining toward the ascetic life. When he came to the throne, he governed with piety, supporting the Church, founding monasteries, and preserving peace through wise counsel .

Renowned more for devotion than warfare, he laboured to establish stability and to strengthen the Church. In his later years, he renounced the throne and embraced the monastic life at Bardney, where he served God in humility until his repose.

Troparion — Tone 1

Despising earthly glory, O blessed king,
thou didst follow Christ in humility,
exchanging a corruptible crown for an incorruptible one;
wherefore we honour thee, O Ethelred.

Kontakion — Tone 2

Having ruled with piety,
thou didst choose the better path of repentance, O wise king;
and now thou standest before Christ,
interceding for those who honour thee.