Ecgberht of Ripon was an Anglo-Saxon monk and bishop who lived during the 7th and 8th centuries. Born in England, he studied at Lindisfarne and Rath Melsigi before spending much of his life traveling between monasteries in northern Britain and the Irish Sea region. After surviving a plague in 664, he committed to a life of perpetual pilgrimage and penitential prayer. He played a significant role in organizing missionary efforts to Frisia and maintained influential connections with various kings and religious leaders throughout his long life.
Life and ministry
Following his studies, Ecgberht settled at the monastery of Rath Melsigi. He was a key figure in coordinating the mission to Frisia, though he sent Wihtberht to lead the effort instead of going himself. He participated in the Synod of Birr in 697 and later moved to Iona around 716. During his time there, he attempted to convince the monks to follow the Roman dating for Easter.
Veneration
He is remembered as a saint and is commemorated in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions. In the Roman Catholic Church, his feast day is observed on 24 April, a date appearing in the Irish martyrologies and the York calendar. The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates him on 23 December, which corresponds to 5 January on the patristic calendar.