Mellitus

Also known as: Archbishop Mellitus / Bishop Mellitus · Family: Church · Role: minister of the Word · First appears: Book I · Chap. XXIX

c. 582, Gregory sent Mellitus with Justus, Paulinus, and Rufinianus to assist Augustine’s mission as fellow labourers and ministers of the Word. Gregory also sent him instructions for the English mission, including a policy to communicate to Augustine. In 604, Augustine ordained Mellitus bishop to preach in the province of the East-Saxons; after his preaching, Ethelbert built St. Paul’s church in London and bestowed gifts, lands, and possessions on the bishops and their churches.

Around 605, Mellitus joined Laurentius and Justus in urging the Scots and Britons toward unity and Catholic observance. At Rome, he conferred with Boniface, sat in the synod assembled to prescribe rules for the monks, and signed and confirmed its decrees for the English churches. Information concerning the Scots’ practices was also associated with Dagan and Columban.

In 616, the East Saxons drove Mellitus from their kingdom after he refused to give the Eucharist to unbaptized kings. He went to Kent for counsel with Laurentius and Justus, then withdrew with Justus to Gaul; Eadbald later recalled them and bade them return to govern their churches in freedom. The people of London refused to receive Mellitus, however, choosing to remain under their idolatrous high priests, though Mellitus afterwards consecrated a church dedicated to the holy Mother of God. In 619, while at Canterbury, his prayer was followed by the flames threatening the city sinking and being extinguished.