Erik IX Jedvardsson was ruler of much of Sweden from 1150 to 1160. He was
the head of a Christian kingdom with nearby pagan kingdoms, all sharing
an old tradition of fighting. Around 1155, he headed an expedition into
Finland, then loosely under Swedish rule, to consolidate Swedish
authority there and to establish a protected Christian mission, headed by
Henry of Uppsala, now considered the founder of the Church in Finland
(see 19 Jan). Erik is also known for undertaking to provide Sweden with
fair laws and fair courts, and for measures designed to assist the poor
and the infirm. As he was in church on 18 May 1160, the day after
Ascension Day, he was told that a pagan Danish army was approaching to
kill him. He replied, "Let us at least finish the sacrifice. The rest of
the feast I shall keep elsewhere." As he was leaving the church, the
pagans rushed upon him and killed him.
Erik was honored both as an upholder of the Christian faith and as a national hero, the ancestor of a long line of Swedish kings. Within thirty years after his death his name appeared on the Swedish Calendar, and he is accounted the principal patron of Sweden, as (for example) Patrick is of Irelend. The silver casket with his remains still rests in the cathedral at Uppsala.
O God, who didst call thy servant Erik of Sweden to an earthly Throne that he might advance thy heavenly kingdom, and didst give him zeal for thy Church and love for thy people: Mercifully grant that we who commemorate him this day may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious crown of thy saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
O God, who called your servant Erik of Sweden to an earthly Throne that he might advance your heavenly kingdom, and gave him zeal for your Church and love for your people: Mercifully grant that we who commemorate him this day may be fruitful in good works, and attain to the glorious crown of your saints; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.