Birinus
Birinus was a Frankish Benedictine monk who became the first Bishop of Dorchester and is venerated as the "Apostle to the West Saxons" for his conversion of the Kingdom of Wessex to Christianity. He is honored by the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican churches. His ministry in Wessex led to the baptism of King Cynegils and the establishment of churches.
- Feast Day
- December 3
- Century
- 7th century
- Country Or Region
- England
Key Facts
- ›Birinus was a Frank and a Benedictine monk.
- ›He was made bishop in Genoa by Asterius.
- ›Pope Honorius I commissioned him to convert the West Saxons.
- ›He landed in Hamwic (Southampton) in 634 and founded St Mary's Church there.
- ›In 635, he persuaded King Cynegils of Wessex to convert and be baptized.
- ›He was given Dorchester-on-Thames as his episcopal see.
- ›Birinus baptized Cynegils's son Cwichelm and grandson Cuthred.
- ›He died in Dorchester on December 3, 649 or 650.
Berin, Birin, Apostle to the West Saxons
Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, Anglican Churches
About Birinus
Birinus: Apostle to the West Saxons
Birinus (c. 600 – 3 December 649 or 650) was a pivotal figure in the Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England, serving as the first Bishop of Dorchester and earning the title "Apostle to the West Saxons." A Frank by birth and a Benedictine monk, his ministry was instrumental in bringing the Kingdom of Wessex into the fold of Christianity.
Life and Ministry
Arriving in Wessex in 634, Birinus landed at the port of Hamwic, which is now part of Southampton. During his time there, the church of St Mary's was founded. Birinus had been consecrated a bishop in Genoa by Asterius, and his mission to convert the West Saxons was sanctioned by Pope Honorius I. In 635, he successfully persuaded the West Saxon king Cynegils to allow him to preach.
The conversion of Cynegils was influenced by his desire to form an alliance with Oswald of Northumbria, who was a Christian and would not ally with a pagan ruler. Following his baptism, Cynegils granted Birinus the town of Dorchester-on-Thames to serve as his episcopal see. Though Birinus's original commission may have included reaching areas of Britain untouched by missionary efforts, he ultimately focused his work within Wessex. He is credited with establishing churches, including foundations at Reading and Checkendon, and baptizing Cynegils's son Cwichelm and grandson Cuthred, acting as godfather to the latter.
Veneration
Birinus died in Dorchester and is venerated as a saint in the Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Anglican traditions. His feast day is observed on December 3 in the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches, although some churches celebrate it on December 5. In the Church of England, his feast day is on September 4, with the status of a commemoration. Following his death, his relics were translated to Winchester. Several Church of England parish churches are dedicated to Birinus, as is a Catholic church in Dorchester. In 2013, a stained glass window depicting his baptism of King Cynegils was unveiled in Easthampstead, Bracknell.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Birinus?
Birinus was a Frankish Benedictine monk who became the first Bishop of Dorchester. He is known as the "Apostle to the West Saxons" for his significant role in converting the Kingdom of Wessex to Christianity.
When did Birinus live and die?
Birinus was born around 600 AD and died on December 3, 649 or 650. His ministry took place in the 7th century.
Why is Birinus important to Wessex?
Birinus is considered the "Apostle to the West Saxons" because he successfully converted King Cynegils to Christianity in 635, leading to the baptism of the king and his court. This event was crucial for the spread of Christianity in the region.
What was Birinus's role as a bishop?
Birinus was the first Bishop of Dorchester. He was given Dorchester-on-Thames as his episcopal see after King Cynegils converted and was baptized. He was active in establishing churches throughout Wessex.
Where is Birinus venerated?
Birinus is venerated as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, the Eastern Orthodox Church, and Anglican churches. His feast day is observed on December 3 in some traditions, while others celebrate it on December 5 or September 4.
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