Early modern lithograph of Saint Hildegrim
Today in the Orthodox Church we commemorate another saint among the continental Frisians, Hildegrim of Werden. Born to the Wursings, he was the son of Thiatgrim and Leofburg, and the younger brother of Saint Liudgar of Billerbeck, whom he accompanied and supported in the missions of Saint Willibrord and Saint Boniface both. He studied under Ealhwine of York for a time in England. Fortunately for the bubbly lovers among us in the Eastern confession, Saint Hildegrim was also the bishop – and patron – of Châlons-en-Champagne (which is in the wine region but not quite inside the famous vineyard areas).
Both brothers, Liudgar and Hildegrim, visited the Abbazia di Montecassino as pilgrims early in life, and there were tonsured Benedictine monks. Saint Hildegrim and his brother both had a hand in building the Kloster Werden dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos and the Apostle Peter; and, once it was finished, the younger brother took up his residence there and the elder became its abbot.
Saint Hildegrim was made bishop of Châlons, but did not stay long in that office. He was soon appointed a missionary bishop among the Saxons in Osterbieck, though the see soon moved to Halberstadt owing to the political and religious tensions that were endemic between the Franks and the Saxons. One hagiographical tradition holds that he retired from his position as bishop altogether to resume the life of a lowly monk in Werden, where he spent the last eighteen years of his life. He is buried beside his brother Saint Liudgar, whom he accompanied and aided so loyally during his earthly life – and indeed was so closely associated with Liudgar that for a time he shared his brother’s feast day of the twenty-sixth of March. The Western Church, however, faithfully kept the memory of the date of his own repose on the nineteenth of June. Holy father Hildegrim, loyal brother, loving bishop and humble monk, pray unto Christ our God that our souls may be saved!
Châlons Cathedral
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