Aristobulus of Britannia
Aristobulus of Britannia is recognized as a Christian saint and one of the Seventy Disciples. He is traditionally venerated as the first bishop in Roman Britain and is sometimes identified as the brother of the Apostle Barnabas. His life and ministry are primarily known through later traditions and writings.
- Feast Day
- March 15
- Century
- 1st century
- Country Or Region
- United Kingdom
Key Facts
- ›He is named by Hippolytus of Rome and Dorotheus of Gaza as one of the Seventy Disciples.
- ›Tradition identifies him as the first bishop in Roman Britain.
- ›Greek, Latin, and Alexandrian traditions state he was the brother of the Apostle Barnabas.
- ›He is believed to have preached and died in Roman Britain, with some traditions suggesting martyrdom in Wales.
- ›The Epistle to the Romans may mention him or his household.
- ›His feast day is celebrated on March 15th in the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar and many Eastern Orthodox traditions.
Saint Aristibule the Old, Apostle, Martyr, First Bishop of Britain, Ἅγιος Ἀριστόβουλος, ἐπίσκοπος Βρετανίας, ἀδελφός τοῦ ᾿Αποστόλου Βαρνάβα, Hagios Aristoboulos episkopos Brettanias, adelphos tou apostolou Barnaba, Aghios Apostolos Aristovoulos, episkopos Vrettanias, adelfos tou apostolou Varnava, Sanctus Aristobulus Senex, Apostolus, Episcopus Primus Britanniae, Arwystli Hen, Episcob Cyntaf Prydain
About Aristobulus of Britannia
Aristobulus of Britannia is a Christian saint venerated for his role in the early establishment of Christianity in Roman Britain. He is recognized by early Christian writers, including Hippolytus of Rome (c. 170–235 AD) and Dorotheus of Gaza (c. 505–565 AD), as one of the Seventy Disciples mentioned in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 10:1–24).
Traditions and Ministry
Numerous traditions surround Aristobulus. Greek, Latin, and Alexandrian traditions identify him as the brother of the Apostle Barnabas and state that he accompanied Saint Paul on his journeys. He is also listed among the assistants of Saint Andrew. On his missionary journeys, he is said to have preached to the Celtiberians of northern Hispania before reaching Britain.
Latin Catholic tradition further identifies Aristobulus with Zebedee, the father of the Apostles James and John. He is believed to have preached and died in Roman Britain. While some traditions suggest he died peacefully, others, particularly in Wales, claim he was martyred. Catholic tradition generally holds that he was martyred.
Historical Context and Dating
The exact dating of Aristobulus' life and death is subject to differing historical accounts. While some traditions, like that of Serenus de Cressy, suggest he was ordained by Saint Paul and died at Glastonbury Abbey in 99 AD, Michael Alford, in his "Fides Regia Britannica Sive Annales Ecclesiae Britannicae," proposes he died in the second year of Nero's reign (56 AD) and was already in Britain before Saint Paul arrived in Rome. This aligns with the traditional dating of the "Light of Christ" in Britain during the last year of Emperor Tiberius, though this interpretation of Gildas is contested by some scholars.
British Christianity and Legacy
British tradition often considers Aristobulus the founder of British Christianity. Unlike later legends of Joseph of Arimathea founding Glastonbury Abbey, which are considered to be of 12th or 13th-century origin and lacking factual basis, early writings frequently focus on Aristobulus. John Williams identifies him with Arwystli Hen, a figure believed to have brought Christianity to the British Isles.
Commemorations
Aristobulus is commemorated liturgically on March 15th in the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic calendars. He is also remembered on January 4th as one of the Seventy Disciples and on October 31st as an assistant of Saint Andrew. The Russian Orthodox Church observes his feast day on March 16th.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Aristobulus of Britannia?
Aristobulus of Britannia was a Christian saint, traditionally identified as one of the Seventy Disciples mentioned in the Gospel of Luke. He is also venerated as the first bishop in Roman Britain.
What is Aristobulus of Britannia known for?
He is chiefly remembered for being one of the earliest Christian missionaries to Britain, according to tradition. He is also noted as the first bishop of Britain and possibly the brother of the Apostle Barnabas.
When did Aristobulus of Britannia live and die?
While exact dates are debated, traditions place his life in the 1st century AD. Some sources suggest he died around 56 AD, while others, like Serenus de Cressy, suggest 99 AD.
Is Aristobulus of Britannia mentioned in the New Testament?
There is a possibility that Aristobulus is mentioned in the Epistle to the Romans (Romans 16:10) in reference to his household. However, this identification is not definitive.
Where is Aristobulus of Britannia venerated?
Aristobulus of Britannia is venerated in both the Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church. His feast day is commonly observed on March 15th.
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