Grand Duchess Elizabeth of Russia sermon | 1 October 2023 | The Reverend Dr James Hawkey
The Reverend Dr James Hawkey, Canon Theologian and Almoner discusses the life Grand Duchess Elizabeth of Russia, who sold most of her luxury possessions to fund a home that fostered the prayer and charity of devout women.
She was later dedicated as a Sister of Love and Mercy.She helped open a hospital and a variety of other philanthropic ventures arose.
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After the Bolsheviks seized power, it persecuted the Church with terrible force. On 7th May 1918 Elizabeth was arrested with two sisters from her convent, and transported across country. She was later murdered in a mineshaft.
A statue of Grand Duchess Elizabeth of Russia can be found above Westminster Abbey's Great West Door. This statue is one of the Abbey's ten modern martyrs of the 20th-century. The modern martyrs represent Christians who gave up their lives for their beliefs.
This sermon is part of the Noble Army of Martyrs series, which marks the 25th anniversary of statues' installation. The sermons will focus on the lives of those depicted, their ongoing resonance, and legacy for the Church.
About the Modern Martyrs: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/st-oscar-romero
About Grand Duchess Elizabeth of Russia: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-commemorations/commemorations/grand-duchess-elizabeth
Sermon series: Noble Army of Martyrs (10 September - 17 December 2023): https://www.westminster-abbey.org/abbey-events/theology/2023/september/sermon-series-noble-army-of-martyrs
Worship at the Abbey: https://www.westminster-abbey.org/worship-music/worship-at-the-abbey
