Wednesday, October 2, 2013

St. Remigius





Remigius was born about 438 and made Bishop at the ripe old age of  22.  He served as Bishop of Rheims during the time of the Barbarian invasions and the Arian conflict.  In fact it is indeed possible that Remigius changed the history of Europe as he witnessed to Clovis, King of the Franks, who became Catholic Christian as opposed to becoming Arian as did the Goths and the Vandals.  Clovis was baptised Christmas day 496 with about three thousand of his followers, and as the Franks were to make big changes in Europe.  In fact the Franks prevented the Muslims from taking over France under Charles Martel, and under Charlemagne consolidated power.  The Franks also converted the Visigoths so that the Arians no longer had military hegemony over the area.  I t should also be noted that Clovis’s descendents helped lead to the conversion of some English royal families during the time of the heptarchy. 

I particularly like Remigious’ words to Clovis, “Burn what you worshipped, and worship what you burned.  Once, Clovis was baptised, Remigius was free to proclaim the Gospel to the Franks, which he did, founding  may churches and dioceses.  Remigius, like several other saints was known to have a way with animals, sparrows would eat out of his hands as he ate.  Chiefly though we remember Remigius for his fine work converting Clovis and the Franks. 

Collect:   Heavenly Father, as you empowered your Bishop Remigius, to witness the Gospel of our Lord Yeshuah to Clovis, King of the Franks,  and to convert him and the Frankish nation, empower us to reach out to the leadership of the nations that they may acknowledge you to be the true sovereign of this world, through our Lord Yeshuah haMoshiach, who lives and reigns with you and the Ruach haKodesh, one God in glory everlasting.  Amen.  (white)





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