The article focuses on the Old Testament book of Esther and various aspects of its cultural adaptation in the homiletic writings of abbot Ælfric of Eynshem. Considering Ælfric’s homily on «Esther» the author examines early English Сhurch’s ideas of exemplary queenship, and concludes that in his retelling of the biblical plot Ælfric attempted to find a solution to crucial political issues of his time. he called his compatriots for prayer and Christian faith – the virtues he regarded as major weapons for defending England against heathens