Mellitus was the first Bishop of London in the 7th century. He was a Benedictine monk and was consecrated as bishop in 601 AD. He played a significant role in the spread of Christianity in England, serving as a missionary and helping to establish the church in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Essex. Mellitus is also remembered for his involvement in the Council of Augustine in 603 AD, which helped to resolve conflicts between the Roman and Celtic branches of the church in Britain. He is considered a saint by the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches.

Mellitus was involved in the Council of Augustine, held in 603 AD, as a representative of the Pope Gregory I. The council was convened to resolve conflicts between the Roman and Celtic branches of the Christian Church in Britain, and to help establish the authority of the Roman Church in the region. Mellitus played a significant role in the council, advocating for the adoption of Roman practices and liturgical forms. The council ultimately agreed to follow the teachings and practices of the Roman Church, establishing the Roman form of Christianity as the dominant form in Britain and laying the foundation for the future development of the Church of England. The council was also important in establishing the authority of the Pope in Britain, and Mellitus continued to correspond with Pope Gregory I after the council, further strengthening the ties between the English Church and Rome.

The main events in Mellitus' career include:

Consecration as bishop: Mellitus was consecrated as the first Bishop of London in 601 AD.

Missionary work: Mellitus was a missionary and helped to spread Christianity in the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Essex.

Council of Augustine: Mellitus was involved in the Council of Augustine in 603 AD, where he advocated for the adoption of Roman practices and liturgical forms by the English Church.

Correspondence with Pope Gregory I: Mellitus continued to correspond with Pope Gregory I after the Council of Augustine, further strengthening the ties between the English Church and Rome.

Exile: Mellitus was exiled from England in 616 AD, along with other bishops and Christian leaders, following the accession of King Sæberht of Essex.

Return to England: Mellitus later returned to England and resumed his role as bishop, where he continued to serve until his death.

These events demonstrate Mellitus' significant role in the early development of the English Church and his important contributions to the spread of Christianity in England.

Mellitus' relationship with King Sæberht of Essex was complicated. Sæberht was initially a Christian ruler, but he later renounced his faith and expelled the bishops and Christian leaders, including Mellitus, from his kingdom in 616 AD. Mellitus was exiled and sought refuge in Gaul (modern-day France), where he lived for several years.

After Sæberht's death, Mellitus was invited back to England by the new Christian king, who restored the bishop to his position in the church. Mellitus' return and the restoration of the bishopric in London demonstrates the changing attitudes towards Christianity in early England and the fluctuations in its influence and authority.

Overall, Mellitus' relationship with King Sæberht highlights the challenges faced by the early English Church and the political and religious tensions that existed at the time. Despite these challenges, Mellitus remained committed to his mission and continued to play a significant role in the development of the English Church.

During Mellitus' life, the early English Church faced a number of challenges and issues, including:

Conflict between the Roman and Celtic branches of Christianity: The Council of Augustine in 603 AD, which Mellitus was involved in, was convened to resolve conflicts between the Roman and Celtic branches of the Christian Church in Britain and to determine the future direction of the Church.

Political instability: The early Anglo-Saxon kingdoms were often subject to political instability and fluctuations in power, which could have significant effects on the Christian Church and its influence in the region.

The conversion of pagan rulers: One of the main challenges faced by the early English Church was the conversion of pagan rulers, who held significant political and religious authority. Mellitus and other Christian leaders had to navigate these political and religious tensions and work to convert the pagan rulers and establish the authority of the Church.

Expansion of the Church: The early English Church faced the challenge of expanding its influence and establishing its authority, particularly in the face of resistance from pagan communities and leaders. Mellitus and other Christian leaders worked to spread the gospel and build up the Church, despite these challenges.

These issues demonstrate the challenges faced by the early English Church and the dedicated efforts of leaders like Mellitus to establish and strengthen the Christian Church in England. Despite these challenges, Mellitus and his contemporaries were successful in laying the foundation for the future development of the Church of England and the spread of Christianity in England. /p>