Anskar (in Latin, Ansgarius) was a monk of Saxon family, born in 801 (the
year after the crowning of Charlemagne). In 826, when King Harald of
Denmark asked Charlemagne's successors for missionaries, Anskar led a
group to Denmark, and a few years later to Sweden. Because of unsettled
political conditions, his work ran into difficulties, and Anskar withdrew
into Germany, where he served as first Archbishop of Hamburg. Later,
however, he helped to consecrate Gotbert, the first bishop of Sweden. The
Church of Sweden honors him as its apostle, and he serves as symbol of
the historic friendship and present-day connection between the Anglican
Churches and the Church of Sweden.
Almighty and everlasting God, who didst send thy servant Anskar As an apostle to the people of Scandinavia, and dist enable him to lay a firm foundation for their conversion, though he did not see the results of his labors: Keep thy Church from discouragement in the day of small things, knowing that when thou hast begun a good work thou wilt bring it to a faithful conclusion; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Almighty and everlasting God, who sent your servant Anskar as An apostle to the people of Scandinavia, and enabled him to lay a firm foundation for their conversion, though he did not see the results of his labors: Keep your Church from discouragement in the day of small things, knowing that when you have begun a good work you will bring it to a faithful conclusion; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.