Sunday Service: Olsok Singalong

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Olsok (lit. 'Olaf's Wake' or 'Olaf's Vigil') is a national day of celebration on July 29 in the Nordic countries of Norway and the Faroe Islands, and also in the provinces of Härjedalen in Sweden and Savonlinna in Finland.

Until the Lutheran Reformation in the 16th century, Olsok was a major church feast in the Nordic countries. The late 19th and the early 20th century saw a renewed interest in Olsok, particularly in Norway. The Roman Catholic Church in Norway recognizes Olsok as a major feast all over the country, while the Lutheran Church of Norway recognizes the day principally in Nidaros Cathedral as well as other churches. Starting with the 900th anniversary of Stiklestad in 1930, July 29 has been an official flag day (Olsokdagen) in Norway. Since 1954, The Saint Olav Drama has been performed at Stiklestad each year.