Didn’t expect to find a saint with such a global background right here in Toronto? St Theodore Of Canterbury is not just a local church. It is a landmark with an incredible story.
St Theodore Of Canterbury was born in Tarsus in Cilicia around 602. That’s modern-day Turkey. He wasn’t English. He wasn’t even destined to be a church leader in England.
Theodore’s early life was marked by significant upheaval. Wars between Byzantium and the Persian Sassanid Empire ravaged his homeland. Tarsus fell to Persian forces when he was just a boy. He experienced Persian culture firsthand.
He studied in Constantinople. His studies included astronomy medicine and law. He also studied Greek rhetoric and philosophy.
Before the 660s Theodore travelled to Rome. He joined a community of Eastern monks. He became learned in Latin literature.
Fate intervened in 667. The Archbishop of Canterbury position became vacant. Wighard who was chosen to fill the post died unexpectedly. Pope Vitalian selected Theodore.
Theodore was ordained. He was consecrated Archbishop of Canterbury in Rome in 668. Can you imagine? A man in his mid-60s setting off for a new life in a new land.
Theodore’s arrival in England in 669 marked a turning point for the English Church. He found a church struggling with internal divisions. The dioceses were too large. Many lacked leadership.
Theodore surveyed the English church. He appointed bishops to vacant sees. He called the Synod of Hertford in 673. This synod aimed to institute reforms. These reforms concerned the calculation of Easter and episcopal authority.
His efforts weren’t without conflict. His plan to subdivide the large diocese of Northumbria led to a dispute with Wilfrid. Yet Theodore’s vision prevailed.
St Theodore Of Canterbury also established a school in Canterbury. Instruction was provided in both Greek and Latin. This initiated a golden age of Anglo-Saxon scholarship.
Theodore died in 690 at the age of 88. He was buried in Canterbury. St Bede said Theodore was the first archbishop whom all the English obeyed.
Theodore’s influence extended beyond religious matters. Some historians argue his work contributed to the development of English political systems. These systems later influenced the United States.
Today St Theodore Of Canterbury is venerated as a saint. His feast day is celebrated on September 19. He is recognized in the Orthodox Catholic and Anglican churches.
So, as you stand here at St Theodore Of Canterbury remember the incredible journey of this man. He came from distant shores. He unified a church. He left a lasting legacy on England.