Theodore of Tarsus, St (c. 602–690)

Greek cleric archbishop of Canterbury from 668. He was sent to England on papal authority as archbishop of Canterbury, and called the first national synod at Hertford 673. His plans for diocesan reorganization led him into dispute with Bishop Wilfrid of York, but he prevailed. He also wrote the basis of a code of penance which vainly tried to maintain the importance of kinship links over ties to lords.