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Theodore of Tarsus

c. 602 – 690 · b. Tarsus · Bishop of Canterbury
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Greek monk from Tarsus appointed Archbishop of Canterbury (668-690) by Pope Vitalian. Reorganized the English church and, with Hadrian, founded the Canterbury school of Greek and Latin learning.

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Common questions

Who was Theodore of Tarsus?
Theodore of Tarsus (602–690) — Greek monk from Tarsus appointed Archbishop of Canterbury (668-690) by Pope Vitalian. Reorganized the English church and, with Hadrian, founded the Canterbury school of Greek and Latin learning.
Who did Theodore of Tarsus oppose?
Wilfrid.
Who did Theodore of Tarsus succeed as bishop of Canterbury?
Augustine of Canterbury.

Sources for biography

  • Bede, Hist. Eccl. 4.1-2 primary
  • Penitentiale Theodori primary

documented connections(1)

  • opposed (incoming) Wilfrid
    Theodore divided Wilfrid's Northumbrian diocese without his consent, leading to Wilfrid's appeals to Rome. Stephen of Ripon's Vita Wilfridi is the principal source.
    Stephen of Ripon, Vita Wilfridi 24-30 · Bede, Hist. Eccl. 4.12-13

tradition connections(1)

  • succeeded in see Augustine of Canterbury
    Theodore was the seventh (not direct) Archbishop of Canterbury after Augustine, sent by Pope Vitalian. The compressed succession is reported by Bede ~70 years later.
    Bede, Hist. Eccl. 4.1

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