Strönd Church
Strönd by Selvogur bay was a chieftains’ manor during Iceland’s early centuries.
The oldest documentation of a church at Strönd dates from around 1200 AD, but it is probable that the first church was built there shortly after the adoption of Christianity around 1000 AD.
In pre-Reformation times the church at Strönd was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and to St. Thomas Becket, archbishop of Canterbury.
Until 1706 there was also another church at Selvogur, at the manor of Nes.
Due to land erosion and encroachment by the sea, the estate of Strönd went into decline, and it was abandoned around 1700.
The church remained, standing all alone amid the black volcanic sands and unprotected from weather and winds, like an unconquerable citadel, an indestructible stronghold. It has been rebuilt several times on the same foundation.
Its parishioners have always had a deep affection for their church, and in the past they constantly resisted suggestions that it should be moved to a more convenient location.
The present church was originally built, using new timber, in 1888. Extensive renovations were carried out, and it was reconsecrated, in 1968 and 1996.
There is a long-standing belief that prayers for intercession directed to Strönd Church are likely to be answered, and that the church will always provide for itself and its maintenance.
Engilsvík – Angel Cove
A legend from Selvogur Bay
Long, long ago a young farmer from the upper reaches of Árnes County travelled to Norway aboard his own ship, to fetch prime timber for building.
Nothing is said of the farmer’s travels until he had been out at sea for a long time on the way to Iceland. He was caught in an ocean storm and lost his bearings in overcast weather, and he no longer knew where his ship was headed. In desperation he vowed that if he came ashore safe and sound he would donate his cargo of timber to build a church at that place. Having made the vow, a vision appeared to him in the form of an angel of light before the prow of the ship, that guided him in the right direction. No more is told of the journey until the ship entered shallows in a sandy cove between sea cliffs. The angel then disappeared, and the sun rose. The crew saw that they had been guided through a meandering strait among skerries on a shore pounded by surf. Above the nearby gravel ridge the first Strönd Church was built, using the timbers that had been promised as a votive gift.
The place where the ship came ashore has been known as Engilsvík (Angel Cove) ever since.
Votive offerings
Belief in votive offerings is belief in a benevolent deity. The tradition of votive offerings to Strönd Church is a manifestation of belief in a hidden protective power.
Votive donations to churches, saints and shrines were common in the Catholic church in pre-Reformation times. For centuries Strönd Church received no more votive offerings than other holy sites: in South Iceland the shrine of St. Þorlákur, Bishop of Skálholt, and the Sacred Cross at Kaldaðarnes received the most offerings. After the Reformation in the 16th century, such Catholic practices were abolished. But people continued to feel the need to make votive offerings, and they found a place in Strönd Church.
The church is sanctified by people’s faith and prayers. Every votive offering stems from a petition of hope made with trust in God who knows, understands, and answers prayers.
