From Ambassador (Revisit to Skálholt)
2024/12/1


I actually came here last year in November. I've come back again.
Before I move to Samoa, I thought I would like to visit Skálholt again, so I went there with Mr. Takasawa, the official residence chef, on Sunday when mass was held at the church. This was the day after the general election. The results of the election had just been announced.
Historically, Iceland was christianized in the year 1000 AD, when Christianity became the religion of the land by law. A short while later, the bishop's seat was placed at Skálholt. During the time of the Reformation, this was the site of a bloody conflict over the acceptance of Luthern church.
Many of the pastors of the churches studied here and were sent to churches all over Iceland. After Alþingi , the national assembly, some people came here on pilgrimage. For a long time, this was the center of religion, education and learning.
Incidentally, in the old days, there was no actual town in Iceland, and Skálholt was the only large settlement. The only other settlements were scattered farms. People would gather in Þingvellir for the national assembly during the summer, but they would only pitch tents there and disperse once the assembly was over. As I mentioned in my previous essay, fishing villages began to form around harbors after the introduction of motorized boats. This was in the 19th century.
However, the buildings that must have existed in Skálholt in the past were lost in fires and other disasters, and none of them remain today.
The current church building is the 10th generation. Rebuilt in 1963, it is impressive for its stained glass windows, which illuminate the entire church, and the painting of Jesus Christ at the front of the altar. Both were created by local artists.
After the church and other buildings were destroyed in a large fire in the 19th century, the bishop's seat was moved to Reykjavik.
The first Sunday of Advent mass was held, and the countdown to Christmas has begun. The mass is an important event for the church, but there were fewer than 20 people present, including us and children.
Although it was the first time I had met the church pastor, Kristín, she knew me well from Facebook and welcomed me as if we were old friends. I deeply appreciated that.
Before I move to Samoa, I thought I would like to visit Skálholt again, so I went there with Mr. Takasawa, the official residence chef, on Sunday when mass was held at the church. This was the day after the general election. The results of the election had just been announced.
Historically, Iceland was christianized in the year 1000 AD, when Christianity became the religion of the land by law. A short while later, the bishop's seat was placed at Skálholt. During the time of the Reformation, this was the site of a bloody conflict over the acceptance of Luthern church.
Many of the pastors of the churches studied here and were sent to churches all over Iceland. After Alþingi , the national assembly, some people came here on pilgrimage. For a long time, this was the center of religion, education and learning.
Incidentally, in the old days, there was no actual town in Iceland, and Skálholt was the only large settlement. The only other settlements were scattered farms. People would gather in Þingvellir for the national assembly during the summer, but they would only pitch tents there and disperse once the assembly was over. As I mentioned in my previous essay, fishing villages began to form around harbors after the introduction of motorized boats. This was in the 19th century.
However, the buildings that must have existed in Skálholt in the past were lost in fires and other disasters, and none of them remain today.
The current church building is the 10th generation. Rebuilt in 1963, it is impressive for its stained glass windows, which illuminate the entire church, and the painting of Jesus Christ at the front of the altar. Both were created by local artists.
After the church and other buildings were destroyed in a large fire in the 19th century, the bishop's seat was moved to Reykjavik.
The first Sunday of Advent mass was held, and the countdown to Christmas has begun. The mass is an important event for the church, but there were fewer than 20 people present, including us and children.
Although it was the first time I had met the church pastor, Kristín, she knew me well from Facebook and welcomed me as if we were old friends. I deeply appreciated that.