Bretannio
Saint Bretannio was a fourth-century bishop of Tomi, in modern-day Romania. He is remembered for his opposition to Emperor Valens' attempt to impose Arianism on the populace, which led to his exile and subsequent return due to public outcry. He is also credited with sending the relics of Sabbas the Goth to Caesarea and writing an accompanying epistle.
- Feast Day
- January 25
- Century
- 4th century
- Country Or Region
- Romania
Key Facts
- ›Bretannio was a bishop of Tomi from 360 AD.
- ›He was of Cappadocian origin.
- ›He opposed Emperor Valens' push for Arianism in Tomi and was exiled for it.
- ›Public outcry led to his allowed return from exile.
- ›He is credited with sending the relics of Sabbas the Goth to Caesarea.
- ›He may have written the 'Epistle of the Church of God in Gothia'.
Bretanion, Bretannion, Vetranio, Vetranion
About Bretannio
Saint Bretannio was a significant ecclesiastical figure of the fourth century, serving as the bishop of Tomi, a city located in the region of Scythia Minor, which corresponds to modern-day Constanţa, Romania. Of Cappadocian origin, he occupied the episcopal see of Tomi from the year 360.
Life and Ministry
Bretannio's episcopate coincided with a period of considerable theological and political upheaval within the Roman Empire. According to the historian Sozomen, Emperor Valens, during a military campaign against the Goths in the region, stopped at Tomi. Valens sought to impose Arianism, a theological doctrine that held Christ to be subordinate to God the Father, upon the populace, urging them to reject the Nicene Creed. Bishop Bretannio courageously opposed this imperial pressure, speaking out against Arianism and in defense of Nicene orthodoxy. As a consequence of his defiance, Bretannio was exiled from his see.
However, his exile was not permanent. The text indicates that public outcry and dissatisfaction over the bishop's banishment led to his eventual return to Tomi. This demonstrates a degree of local support and influence for Bretannio within his diocese.
Hagiographical Attributions
Beyond his role as bishop and confessor of the Nicene faith, Bretannio is associated with significant devotional activities. Basil the Great, a prominent theologian and bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, requested the ruler of Scythia Minor, Junius Soranus, to send him relics of saints from that region. In response, Bretannio is credited with sending the relics of Sabbas the Goth to Caesarea, accompanied by a notable letter entitled the 'Epistle of the Church of God in Gothia to the Church of God located in Cappadocia and to all the Local Churches of the Holy Universal Church.' This attribution suggests Bretannio played a role in the veneration of martyrs and the transmission of sacred relics during his time.
Historical Uncertainty
There is some historical ambiguity surrounding Bretannio's later life and activities. It is suggested that he may have represented Tomi at the ecumenical Council of Constantinople in 381. However, his name might have been confused with that of Gerontius (or Terentius), another bishop of Tomi, who is considered the more likely participant at this council. Furthermore, the assigning of his feast day to January 25 by the compiler Baronio is described as arbitrary, indicating a lack of definitive historical record for his liturgical commemoration.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Saint Bretannio?
Saint Bretannio was a bishop of Tomi (modern-day Constanţa, Romania) during the fourth century. He was of Cappadocian origin and occupied the see of Tomi from the year 360.
Why was Saint Bretannio exiled?
Bretannio was exiled because he spoke out against Emperor Valens, who had stopped at Tomi and urged the populace to convert to Arianism and reject the Nicene Creed. Bretannio's opposition led to his banishment.
Was Saint Bretannio's exile permanent?
No, Bretannio was allowed to return from exile. This was due to public outcry from the populace over his banishment.
What is Saint Bretannio credited with related to relics?
Basil the Great requested relics from Scythia Minor. Bretannio is credited with sending the relics of Sabbas the Goth to Caesarea, Cappadocia, accompanied by a letter entitled the 'Epistle of the Church of God in Gothia'.
Did Saint Bretannio attend the Council of Constantinople in 381?
It is possible that Bretannio represented Tomi at the council held in Constantinople in 381. However, his name might have been confused with Gerontius (or Terentius), another bishop of Tomi who may have been the actual participant.
Related Saints
Sabbas the Goth
Sabbas the Goth was a Christian martyr who lived in the 4th century. He is venerated for his steadfast refusal to compromise his faith during a persecution by the Gothic king Athanaric, ultimately leading to his martyrdom by drowning. His relics were later obtained by Basil of Caesarea, highlighting his significance in early Christian history.
Gregory of Nazianzus
Gregory of Nazianzus was an early Roman Christian theologian and prelate, widely considered the most accomplished rhetorical stylist of the patristic age. He significantly shaped Trinitarian theology and is remembered as the "Trinitarian Theologian". Gregory is revered as a saint in both Eastern and Western Christianity and is counted among the Doctors of the Church.
Ananias of Damascus
Ananias of Damascus was a disciple of Jesus in Damascus, known for his pivotal role in the conversion of Saul of Tarsus. He was divinely instructed to heal Saul's blindness and provide him with further teaching, thereby initiating Paul the Apostle's ministry to the Gentiles.