Christian (2)

Christian, first bishop of Prussia, was born at Freienwalde, in Pomerania, in the latter part of the 12th century. He became a monk of the Cistercian order, in which he acquired great eminence for his piety and learning. In 1210 he went as missionary to Prussia, which country had before resisted all attempts at Christianization. He proved successful in his undertaking, and was made bishop of Prussia in 1214. In order to give a permanent protection to the Church, he founded, in 1215, the order of the Knights of Christ. He died in 1241. — Neander, Ch. History (Torrey), 4:43; M'Lear, Missions in Middle Ages, p. 341.