June 22 - St Alban the Martyr

Cathedral of St Alban the Martyr, Prince Albert SKThis day is often celebrated as a Memorial of Alban, the first martyr in Britain. Alban was a Roman soldier in the early 3rd century.

Before he was a Christian, Alban hid a Christian priest who was fleeing from persecution. Alban was so moved by the priest's faith that Alban became a follower of Jesus himself. When soldiers arrived to arrest the priest, Alban disguised himself in the priest's clothing and was arrested. The governor of the area was not fooled, and ordered Alban to show his loyalty by making the appropriate sacrifices to the Roman gods. When he refused, Alban was beheaded. His martyrdom is considered to have been his baptism.

"Almighty God, by whose grace and power thy martyr Alban was enabled to witness to the truth and to be faithful unto death: Grant we, who now remember him before thee, may likewise so bear witness unto thee in this world, that we may receive with him the crown of glory that fadeth not away; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, for ever and ever. Amen." -- BCP p. 310