Theodore

Also known as: Archbishop Theodore · Family: Church · Role: Archbishop of Canterbury · First appears: Book III · Chap. VII

Theodore, Archbishop of Canterbury, first appears c. 633, when he consecrated Leutherius bishop of the West Saxons at Venta. In 668, Vitalian ordained him archbishop in Rome and sent him to Britain with Hadrian; Theodore gave Hadrian the monastery of the blessed Peter the Apostle, and together they taught Scripture, languages, astronomy, and ecclesiastical arithmetic. He completed Ceadda’s ordination, ordained Putta at Rochester, retained Ceadda as bishop for the Mercians and Lindsey at Oswy’s request, and later ordained Wynfrid in his place.

In 670 Theodore gathered Bisi, Wilfrid, Putta, Leutherius, and Wynfrid at Herutford to deliberate on Church affairs. At the synod of 673, he had the agreed articles written by Titillus and confirmed by subscription; he ordained Bisi in Boniface’s place, then deposed Wynfrid and ordained Sexwulf, while appointing Earconwald bishop of the East Saxons. In 676 he consecrated Haedde and Cuichelm, replaced Cuichelm with Gebmund when Cuichelm left Rochester, and in 678 ordained Eadhaed, Bosa, and Eata at York, adding Tunbert and Trumwine to the bishops.

About 678, Theodore convened the assembly at Haethfelth to examine the faith of the English Churches, recording their Catholic confession and recognition of the five general councils. He also reconciled Egfrid and Ethelred, “so that the kings and their people on both sides were appeased,” and was present among the bishops at Cuthbert’s consecration at York. Theodore died in 690 after holding the archbishopric for twenty-two years, and Bertwald succeeded him.