Mellitus
Mellitus was a key figure in the Gregorian mission to convert Anglo-Saxons to Christianity, serving as the first bishop of London and later the third archbishop of Canterbury. He is known for receiving Pope Gregory I's influential letter suggesting a gradual conversion strategy and for his eventual exile and return to England.
Key Facts
- ›First bishop of London in the Saxon period.
- ›Third archbishop of Canterbury.
- ›Member of the Gregorian mission sent to England in 601 AD.
- ›Consecrated as Bishop of London in 604 AD.
- ›Exiled from London by pagan successors of King Sæberht around 616 AD.
- ›Appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 619 AD.
- Established the Bishopric of London.
- Received and Conveyed Pope Gregory I's Influential 'Epistola Ad Mellitum' Which Advised A Gradual Conversion Strategy.
- Allegedly Saved Canterbury Cathedral From Fire During His Tenure As Archbishop.
About Mellitus
Mellitus: First Bishop of London and Third Archbishop of Canterbury
Mellitus was a significant figure in the early Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England, arriving in 601 AD as part of the Gregorian mission sent by Pope Gregory I. He was consecrated as the first bishop of London in 604 AD, a role he held until his exile. His tenure as bishop coincided with the early stages of the mission's efforts to convert the Anglo-Saxons from paganism.
Life and Historical Context
Described by the medieval chronicler Bede as being of noble birth, Mellitus was likely a native of Italy. Pope Gregory I referred to him as an abbot, though his exact abbatial status before coming to England is unclear. Mellitus was sent to England with a group of clergy to bolster the mission, bringing with them books and liturgical items. During his journey, he received Pope Gregory's crucial 'Epistola ad Mellitum,' a letter that advised a pragmatic approach to conversion by adapting pagan customs and sites to Christian use, a strategy later preserved by Bede. Mellitus was also involved in asserting the English Church's independence from the Frankish Church, attending a council in Italy in 610 AD.
Major Contributions and Challenges
Mellitus's consecration as Bishop of London established a new episcopal see in a vital urban center. However, his work in London was interrupted around 616 AD when he was exiled by the pagan successors of King Sæberht of Essex, who reportedly expelled him for refusing to share sacramental bread. Following this exile, during which he sought refuge in Gaul, Mellitus returned to England but could not re-enter London due to the continued paganism of its inhabitants. He was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 619 AD, succeeding Laurence. During his time as archbishop, he is said to have miraculously diverted a fire threatening Canterbury Cathedral and much of the town.
Legacy
Mellitus died on April 24, 624 AD, and was buried at St Augustine's Abbey in Canterbury. He was revered as a saint after his death, with his feast day observed on April 24. Later veneration included a shrine at Old St Paul's Cathedral in London, and during the medieval period, individuals suffering from gout were encouraged to pray at his tomb, reflecting his own affliction mentioned by Bede. His life and contributions are primarily documented through the works of Bede.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mellitus?
Mellitus was a member of the Gregorian mission sent to England to convert the Anglo-Saxons to Christianity. He served as the first bishop of London and later became the third archbishop of Canterbury.
What was Mellitus's role in the Gregorian mission?
Mellitus arrived in England in 601 AD to augment the mission and was consecrated as Bishop of London in 604 AD. He played a crucial role in the early efforts to establish Christianity among the Anglo-Saxons.
What is the significance of Pope Gregory I's letter to Mellitus?
Pope Gregory I's 'Epistola ad Mellitum' is famous for suggesting a gradual approach to converting the Anglo-Saxons, advocating for the integration of pagan rituals and customs rather than their immediate destruction. This letter influenced the missionary strategy.
What happened to Mellitus after King Sæberht's death?
Following the death of his patron King Sæberht of Essex around 616 AD, Mellitus was exiled from London by Sæberht's pagan sons. He took refuge in Gaul and later returned to England but could not reclaim his London see.
When did Mellitus become Archbishop of Canterbury?
Mellitus was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 619 AD, succeeding Laurence. During his tenure, he was also credited with a miracle where he allegedly saved Canterbury Cathedral from a fire.
Related Archbishops
Paulinus of York
Paulinus of York was a Roman missionary and the first Bishop of York, sent as part of the Gregorian mission to Christianize the Anglo-Saxons. He played a crucial role in the conversion of King Edwin of Northumbria and many of his subjects, building churches and baptizing converts. Following Edwin's death, Paulinus returned to Kent and became Bishop of Rochester, receiving a pallium symbolizing his appointment as Archbishop of York, though too late to be effective.
Laurence of Canterbury
Laurence of Canterbury was the second Archbishop of Canterbury, serving from approximately 604 to 619. As a member of the Gregorian mission sent from Italy, he played a key role in the Christianization of Anglo-Saxons. Despite facing challenges, including pagan backlash after King Æthelberht's death and disputes with native British bishops, Laurence is revered as a saint for his efforts in strengthening the church in England.
Berhtwald
Berhtwald was the ninth Archbishop of Canterbury, serving from 693 to 731. He is notable for initiating the first continuous series of native-born Archbishops of Canterbury and for presiding over councils that helped resolve the long-standing dispute concerning Wilfrid of York. His tenure also saw the conversion of Sussex to Christianity and the exemption of the church from taxation in Kent.