Unni (bishop) facts for kids

Saint Unni was an important leader in the early Christian church. He served as an Archbishop in a place called Hamburg-Bremen. This was a big church area in Europe. Unni lived a long time ago, from about 916 until his death on September 17, 936. He is remembered for his brave work as a Missionary.

Who Was Archbishop Unni?

An archbishop is a very high-ranking leader in the Christian church. They are in charge of many churches and priests in a large area. Unni was the archbishop of Hamburg-Bremen. This region was important for spreading Christianity in northern Europe.

Unni's Mission to the North

Unni had a special mission. He traveled far to Birka in Sweden. Birka was a very important trading town during the Viking Age. It was a busy place where people from many different lands met. Unni went there to continue the work of an earlier missionary named Ansgar. Ansgar was known as the "Apostle of the North" because he worked hard to bring Christianity to these northern lands. Unni wanted to share Christian teachings in this distant place.

Unni's Legacy and Burial

Sadly, Unni died while he was on his mission in Birka. He passed away on September 17, 936. A historian named Adam of Bremen wrote about Unni's life. According to Adam, Unni's body was buried in Birka. However, his head was brought back and buried in Bremen Cathedral.

Many years later, in 1840, workers were taking down an altar in Bremen Cathedral. They found a lead plate with an old inscription. It read "VNNIS ARCHIEP(is)-C(opus)", which means "Unni the Archbishop." This discovery helped confirm where his head was buried.

Unni is highly respected for his efforts. After Ansgar and another missionary named Rimbert of Turholt, Unni is often called the "third Apostle of the North." He is also honored as a Saint.