Mellitus, saint and archbishop of Canterbury

Among the pivotal figures in the early Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England stands Mellitus, a missionary whose dedication spanned the crucial decades of the seventh century. He is remembered as the very first Bishop of London in the Saxon era, a testament to the burgeoning Christian presence in the region, and later rose to become the third Archbishop of Canterbury, holding the most senior ecclesiastical office in England. His journey began as a vital member of the Gregorian mission, a concerted effort dispatched from Rome by Pope Gregory the Great, with the profound aim of converting the Anglo-Saxons from their deeply rooted native paganism to the Christian faith.

The Arrival of the Gregorian Mission and Early Ministry

Mellitus’s significant contribution to the mission commenced in 601 AD when he arrived on English shores. He was part of a second wave of clergy, sent by Pope Gregory I to augment the existing mission, providing much-needed support and additional spiritual leadership. This reinforcement was crucial for solidifying the Christian message across the various Anglo-Saxon kingdoms. Just three years later, in 604, Mellitus was consecrated as the Bishop of London, marking a significant milestone for the fledgling church in a major urban centre of the period. This appointment placed him at the heart of evangelistic efforts in the Kingdom of Essex, which then encompassed London.

Pope Gregory's Vision: The Epistola ad Mellitum

It was during these early years that Mellitus became the recipient of a profoundly influential and famous letter from Pope Gregory I, known as the Epistola ad Mellitum. This correspondence, diligently preserved for posterity by the venerable medieval chronicler Bede in his seminal work Ecclesiastical History of the English People, outlined a remarkably pragmatic and culturally sensitive strategy for conversion. Rather than advocating for an immediate, forceful eradication of pagan practices, Pope Gregory suggested a gradual approach. His wisdom lay in proposing the integration of existing pagan rituals and customs into Christian worship where possible, or repurposing pagan temples into Christian churches. This nuanced directive aimed to ease the transition for the Anglo-Saxons, making the new faith more accessible and less alien by building upon familiar traditions, thereby fostering acceptance rather than outright resistance.

A Council in Rome and Shifting Political Tides

In 610, Mellitus undertook a journey back to Italy, demonstrating the continued connection between the nascent English church and the wider Roman ecclesiastical world. He attended a council of bishops, likely in Rome, a testament to his standing and the importance of the English mission. Upon his return to England, he carried with him papal letters, intended to guide and encourage some of the missionaries still laboring in the field, reinforcing the authority and direction of the Holy See.

Exile from London and Refuge in Gaul

The nascent Christian foothold in Essex proved precarious, however, upon the death of his patron, King Sæberht of Essex, around 616. With Sæberht's pagan successors regaining influence and rejecting the new faith, Mellitus found himself exiled from London, a harsh setback for the mission. Compounding this challenge, King Æthelberht of Kent, another crucial royal protector of the Gregorian mission and a key figure in its early successes, also passed away at approximately the same time. This dual loss of powerful patrons left the young English church vulnerable and forced Mellitus, along with other key missionaries, to seek temporary refuge across the English Channel in Gaul (modern-day France), highlighting the fragile nature of early Christianization efforts in a politically volatile landscape.

Return to England and the See of Canterbury

Fortune began to turn the following year. Mellitus was able to return to England after Æthelberht’s successor in Kent embraced Christianity, once again offering a degree of royal protection. However, despite this positive development, he was unable to return to his former see in London, as its inhabitants largely remained staunchly pagan, making his ministry there untenable at that time. Instead, in 619, a new and pivotal role awaited him: Mellitus was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury. This elevation placed him at the spiritual helm of the English church, succeeding Laurentius, and giving him a broader sphere of influence and responsibility.

The Miracle of Canterbury and Lasting Legacy

During his tenure as Archbishop, Mellitus is famously associated with a miraculous event. It is alleged that through his fervent prayers, he saved the Canterbury Cathedral and much of the town itself from being engulfed by a devastating fire. This tale, recounted by Bede, underscores the reverence with which Mellitus was held and the belief in his spiritual power. Mellitus passed away on 24 April 624. Following his death, his dedicated service, perseverance through adversity, and the alleged miracle contributed to his veneration as a saint, a testament to his enduring impact on the Christian heritage of England.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mellitus

Who was Mellitus?
Mellitus was a significant figure in the early Christianization of Anglo-Saxon England. He was a member of the Gregorian mission, the first Bishop of London, and the third Archbishop of Canterbury, serving during the early 7th century.
When did Mellitus arrive in England?
He arrived in 601 AD, as part of a group of clergy sent by Pope Gregory I to reinforce the initial Gregorian mission.
What was the "Epistola ad Mellitum"?
This was a famous letter from Pope Gregory I to Mellitus, preserved by Bede. It advised a gradual approach to converting the Anglo-Saxons, suggesting the integration and re-purposing of existing pagan rituals and customs into Christian practices to ease the transition.
Why was Mellitus exiled from London?
Mellitus was exiled from London around 616 after the death of his patron, King Sæberht of Essex. Sæberht’s pagan successors rejected Christianity, leading to a resurgence of paganism and the expulsion of Christian clergy.
When did Mellitus become Archbishop of Canterbury?
He was appointed Archbishop of Canterbury in 619 AD, after his return from exile and being unable to resume his see in London.
What miracle is Mellitus associated with?
During his time as Archbishop, Mellitus is said to have miraculously saved Canterbury Cathedral and a significant portion of the town from a devastating fire through his prayers.
When did Mellitus die and what was his legacy?
Mellitus died on 24 April 624. He was revered as a saint following his death, recognized for his foundational role in establishing Christianity in England, his perseverance, and the miraculous event attributed to him.