Share

This week in Christian history: English king converts; pope visits Poland; Far East Broadcasting Company launches

By Michael Gryboski, Editor Twitter

King Ethelbert baptized — June 2, 597

English King Ethelbert (560-616), whose conversion to Christianity helped to spread the religion in the British Isles.
English King Ethelbert (560-616), whose conversion to Christianity helped to spread the religion in the British Isles. | Public Domain

This week marks the anniversary of when King Ethelbert of Kent, sometimes spelled Aethelbert, was baptized by Benedictine monk St. Augustine, who later became the first Archbishop of Canterbury.

Ethelbert’s decision to convert to Christianity appeared to be influenced by both the ministry of Augustine and Ethelbert’s wife, Princess Bertha, who was herself a Christian.

“Pope Gregory the Great sent Augustine to preach the gospel among the Anglo-Saxons and soon many individuals in southern England embraced the faith,” noted the Christian History Institute.

“However, when Augustine preached to Ethelbert of Kent, the king was far from convinced … One of the things that changed his mind was the holy behavior of the missionaries.”

Follow Michael Gryboski on Twitter or Facebook

You’ve readarticles in the last 30 days.

Was this article helpful?

Help keep The Christian Post free for everyone.

Our work is made possible by the generosity of supporters like you. Your contributions empower us to continue breaking stories that matter, providing clarity from a biblical worldview, and standing for truth in an era of competing narratives.

By making a recurring donation or a one-time donation of any amount, you’re helping to keep CP’s articles free and accessible for everyone.

We’re sorry to hear that.

Hope you’ll give us another try and check out some other articles. Return to homepage.