Saint Iestyn facts for kids
Iestyn (also known as Iestin or Justinus) was a Welsh saint from a very long time ago, either the 500s or 600s. He lived a simple life as a hermit and helped people with their faith. Iestyn started two churches in North Wales. One is in Gwynedd and the other is on Anglesey.
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Who Was Saint Iestyn?
We don't know exactly when Iestyn was born or when he passed away. Some people think he lived in the early 500s, while others believe it was the 600s. He was the son of Geraint ab Erbin, a ruler from a Celtic kingdom called Dumnonia. This area is now part of southwest England.
Iestyn had brothers, including Cador, who was a Duke in Cornwall, and Cyngar, who was also a saint. Saint Cyngar is remembered in the name of a church in Llangefni, Anglesey.
Iestyn's Life as a Hermit
Iestyn chose to live as a hermit. This means he lived a quiet, simple life, often away from other people, to focus on his faith. He was also a confessor, which means he helped guide people in their religious beliefs. He was likely a follower of another Anglesey saint named Cybi.
Iestyn is famous for starting two churches in North Wales:
- One church is in Llaniestyn, Gwynedd.
- The other church, called St Iestyn's Church, Llaniestyn, is on Anglesey.
Remembering Saint Iestyn
At the church on Anglesey, there is a special stone carving of Saint Iestyn. This carving was made in the late 1300s. It shows him wearing a hooded cloak with a brooch. He holds a staff in his right hand and a scroll with writing in his left. The writing on the scroll is in Latin and says that Iestyn rests there. It also mentions the names of the people who gave money for the carving. This stone might have been used as a special place to honor the saint.
Saint Iestyn's special day, or "feast day," is not listed in all Welsh calendars of saints. However, his church on Anglesey celebrated it on April 12 and October 10. His church in Caernarfonshire (now part of Gwynedd) celebrated it on October 10.
Other Anglesey Saints
Many other saints are remembered in churches on Anglesey. Some of them include:
- St Cwyllog at St Cwyllog's Church, Llangwyllog
- St Eleth at St Eleth's Church, Amlwch
- St Peulan at St Peulan's Church, Llanbeulan
- St Tyfrydog at St Tyfrydog's Church, Llandyfrydog
