Wenceslaus I of Bohemia
This young duke, known for his great piety, was handed over by his own brother and killed by hired assassins in a church, becoming a martyr and the "eternal king" of his nation, celebrated in a famous Christmas carol.
- Early Middle Ages
- Czechia
- Feast day September 28
- c. 907 – 935
- Martyr
Listen to the life 0:39
Saint Wenceslaus was the Duke of Bohemia in the 10th century, grandson of Saint Ludmila. Raised in the Christian faith, he strove to promote Christianity among his people, favoring the clergy and building churches. His reign was marked by tensions with his younger brother, Boleslaus I the Cruel. He was assassinated on September 28, 935 (or 929 according to some sources) at his brother's command. Considered a martyr for his faith and pious works, he was venerated as a saint in the very years that followed his death (the Church inscribed him in the General Roman Calendar in 1670) and became the patron saint of Bohemia and the Czech Republic.
Patronage
Sharing the same feast day
Same era and same region
Same patronage
Places
- Birth
- Hudlice
- Death
- Brandýs nad Labem-Stará Boleslav