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Mikael AgricolaFinnish reformer
Country:
 Finland |
Content:
- Biography of Mikael Agricola
- Introduction to Reformation
- Continuing the Work of Martin Skytte
- Studies in Germany
- Contributions to Finnish Literature and Reformation
- Legacy
Biography of Mikael Agricola
Early Life and EducationMikael Olavinpoika (son of Olavi), later known as Mikael Agricola, was born in the province of Uusimaa, in the village of Torstila. His exact date of birth is unknown, but it is believed to be around 1510. He was named after the patron saint of the local church. Agricola had three sisters, but little is known about their biographies. He showed an aptitude for languages, and was sent to study at the Latin school in Vyborg.
Introduction to Reformation
During his time in Vyborg, Agricola adopted the surname "Agricola," which means "farmer" in Latin. This was a common practice among scholars at the time, taking surnames based on their fathers' occupations. It was in Vyborg that Agricola first encountered the ideas of the Reformation and humanism. The castle in Vyborg was under the command of Count Johann, a German nobleman in the service of the Swedish king Gustav Vasa. Count Johann supported the Reformation, and Lutheran services were already being held in the castle.
Continuing the Work of Martin Skytte
In 1528, Count Johann moved to Turku, the de facto center of the Finnish territories of Sweden and the center of the Catholic diocese. Agricola joined him there and began working in the chancellery of Bishop Martin Skytte. It was in Turku that he met Peter Särkilathi, the first Finnish disciple of Martin Luther, who passionately preached the ideas of the Reformation. After Särkilathi's death in 1529, Agricola continued his work. In 1531, he was ordained as a priest.
Studies in Germany
In 1536, the Bishop of Turku sent Agricola to study in Germany, specifically in Wittenberg. There, he attended lectures by Philipp Melanchthon, who was well-versed in Greek. He also had the opportunity to meet Martin Luther. Both reformers wrote recommendation letters for Agricola addressed to Gustav Vasa, which helped him secure a scholarship. With the support of these letters, Agricola purchased books and began translating the New Testament into Finnish. He completed the translation in 1548 and had it published.
Contributions to Finnish Literature and Reformation
Agricola's first published work in Finnish was the primer "ABC-kirja," which was released in 1542. This year is considered the birth year of Finnish literature. He also translated parts of the Old Testament and several devotional writings into Finnish. Agricola was appointed the rector of the cathedral school in Turku in 1548 and later became a canon and bishop. He tirelessly worked for the benefit of the Reformation and also participated in political events, including a diplomatic mission to Moscow in 1556. On his return journey, he fell ill and passed away in Nokiö near Vyborg.
Legacy
Agricola's contribution to Finnish language and literature, as well as his role in the Reformation, is widely recognized and celebrated. He laid the foundation for Finnish literature and played a significant role in shaping the Finnish language. Agricola's efforts to translate the Bible and other religious texts into Finnish helped to establish Finnish as a written language. In honor of his contributions, a monument was erected in Vyborg, near the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, on June 27, 2009.
