Afan
Afan of Builth was an early 6th-century Welsh bishop, martyr, and saint known for his role as a founder of churches and his eventual martyrdom. He is remembered for his lineage, which connected him to prominent Welsh figures, and for the miracles attributed to him.
- Feast Day
- November 17
- Century
- 6th century
- Country Or Region
- Wales
Key Facts
- ›Afan was an early 6th-century Welsh bishop, martyr, and saint.
- ›He was the son of Cedig ap Ceredig and a cousin of David, the patron saint of Wales.
- ›Afan founded several churches, including Llanafan in Ceredigion and Llanafan Fawr and Llanafan Fechan in Brecknockshire.
- ›His death is attributed to martyrdom at the hands of Irish or Danish pirates on the banks of the River Chwefru.
- ›A miracle recounts a lord being struck blind and his dogs going mad after disrespectfully using Afan's church.
- ›His relics are claimed by Llanafan Fawr, which was a pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages.
Sant Afan Buellt, Avanus, Esgob Afan, Afan Buellt, Afan Buallt, Saint Afran
About Afan
Afan of Builth
Afan of Builth, also known by his Latin name Avanus, was an early 6th-century Welsh bishop, martyr, and saint. His life and veneration are rooted in the early Christian history of Wales, particularly in the regions of Builth and Ceredigion.
Life and Historical Context
Born into a prominent Welsh lineage, Afan was the son of Cedig ap Ceredig, who was himself the son of Cunedda Wledig, the king of Gwynedd. This lineage made him a cousin to Saint David, the revered patron saint of Wales. His mother's identity is variously recorded, with several names attributed to her, all described as daughters of Tegid the Bald. Afan is recorded as a bishop, though the precise extent of his diocese remains unknown. He may have served as the third bishop of Llanbadarn or held ecclesiastical authority over Builth, with his seat potentially at Llanafan Fawr.
Major Contributions and Legacy
Afan is primarily remembered for his role as a founder of churches. He established a church named Llanafan in Ceredigion, and two others in Brecknockshire: Llanafan Fawr ("Great Llanafan") and Llanafan Fechan or Fach ("Lesser Llanafan"). These foundations highlight his importance in the ecclesiastical landscape of early medieval Wales.
His death is marked by martyrdom, attributed to attacks by Irish or Danish pirates along the River Chwefru. This martyrdom solidified his status as a saint. His relics are notably claimed by Llanafan Fawr, which became a significant pilgrimage destination during the Middle Ages. The inscription on his grave there reads, "Hic iacet sanctus avanus episcopus" ("Here lies Saint Avan, bishop").
Veneration
Afan's feast day is generally observed on November 17th, though the older Demetian Calendar in southern Wales placed it on November 16th. His veneration is no longer officially observed by either the Anglican or Catholic church in Wales. A miracle recounted by Gerald of Wales describes a lord being struck blind and his hunting dogs going mad after disrespectfully using Afan's church, with his sight only returning upon a pledge to fight in the Crusades.
Name
The name Afan is likely a loan from the Latin Amandus. In Welsh, he is also known as Esgob Afan ("Bishop Afan") and by the place names associated with his diocese, such as Afan Buellt or Afan Buallt.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Afan of Builth?
Afan of Builth was an early 6th-century Welsh bishop, martyr, and saint. He is known for founding several churches and for his eventual death at the hands of pirates.
What is Afan of Builth's feast day?
Afan's feast day is generally placed on November 17. The Demetian Calendar formerly used in southern Wales observed it on November 16.
What is Afan of Builth's family background?
Afan was the son of Cedig ap Ceredig and a grandson of Cunedda Wledig, king of Gwynedd. This lineage made him a cousin of David, the patron saint of Wales.
Where did Afan of Builth found churches?
He founded a Llanafan in Ceredigion and two others, Llanafan Fawr and Llanafan Fechan, in Brecknockshire. These churches are still known by variations of his name.
How did Afan of Builth die?
Afan's death is credited to martyrdom. He was killed by Irish or Danish pirates on the banks of the River Chwefru.
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