Ceolfrith

Ceolfrith (c. 642 – 716 AD) was an Anglo-Saxon abbot of Wearmouth-Jarrow Abbey, a Benedictine monastery in Northumbria, England. He is venerated as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

Ceolfrith was born into a noble Northumbrian family. His early life is not well documented, but he entered the monastery at Gilling, later transferring to Ripon Abbey. He eventually became a monk at Wearmouth Abbey under Benedict Biscop, the monastery's founder. When Jarrow Abbey was established as a daughter house, Ceolfrith was appointed its first abbot in 682. Upon Benedict Biscop's death in 690, Ceolfrith became abbot of both Wearmouth and Jarrow.

As abbot, Ceolfrith was known for his piety, learning, and administrative skills. He oversaw a flourishing period of monastic life and scholarship at Wearmouth-Jarrow. The scriptorium under his direction became renowned for producing illuminated manuscripts, most notably the Codex Amiatinus, a complete single-volume Latin Bible. This codex was intended as a gift for the Pope, but Ceolfrith died en route to Rome.

Ceolfrith resigned as abbot in 716 to travel to Rome but died in Langres, France, on 25 September of that year. His feast day is celebrated on September 25th. His remains were eventually returned to Jarrow.

Ceolfrith is significant for his role in promoting Benedictine monasticism in England and for his contributions to the intellectual and artistic achievements of the Anglo-Saxon period. The Codex Amiatinus, in particular, stands as a testament to his commitment to learning and the arts.