Christian of Oliva

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Christian of Oliva (Polish Christian of Oliwa) (died 1245) was the first bishop of Prussia.

He was a Cistercian monk of the monastery of Oliva (Oliwa) at the Baltic Sea (near Gdańsk/Danzig), which was founded in 1178.

As bishop, he also created the Order of Dobrzyń.

Form 1233-39, he was held captive by pagan Prussians, and freed in trade for five other hostages who then in turn were released for a ransom of 800 Marks, granted to him by Pope Gregory IX.

In 1243, the Papal legate William of Modena divided the bishopric of Prussia into four bishoprics

bishopric of Chelmno Land (Ziemia Chelminska, Kulmerland)
bishopric of Pomesania,
bishopric of Warmia (Ermland), and
bishopric of Sambia (Samland)

under the archbishopric of Riga. Christian was supposed to choose of them, but did not agree to the division, and died before the comflict was solved.

External links

[Article in Catholic Encyclopedia at newadvent.org]

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