King of the Vikings and patron saint of Norway

Today, the Church celebrates Saint Olaf II the Great (995–1030), king of the Vikings and patron saint of Norway. In Olaf’s time, Christ’s words — “whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” — clashed with the mentality of many rulers. Olaf’s conversion to Christianity (in 1015) radically transformed his way of ruling. His greatness lay in subjecting his crown to the sovereignty of Christ. He implemented the famous “Christian Laws” at the assembly of Moster (c. 1020). For the first time in his land, laws — inspired by “Christian law” — defended the vulnerable, abolished the enslavement of prisoners, and protected women and children. The reforms undertaken by Olaf provoked the opposition and rebellion of pagan adversaries. Olaf suffered exile and eventually lost his life in battle while attempting to return to Norway. According to tradition, his last words were: “God, help me.” —Olaf II “the Saint” understood that legislating justly was a concrete way of washing the feet of his people. His authority did not arise from tyranny, but from a service rooted in the Gospel. The king became a servant.