6th century. The Welsh saint Nectan has always been venerated as a
martyr killed by robbers, although we have no details about his life. He
is the patron of Hartland, Devonshire, which is near the site of his
hermitage. The fullest surviving vita dates only to the 12th century in
the Gotha manuscript.
This work describes Nectan as the oldest of the 24 children of Saint
Brychan of Brecknock. It tells us that Nectan was already a monk when he
and his many relatives sailed from southern Wales to northern
Devonshire. Seeking solitude, he settled in the dense forests. His
family would meet him at his hermitage the last day of each year. After
several years he found an even more remote valley with a spring. There
he helped a swineherd find his pigs; later the owner rewarded Nectan
with a gift of two cows, which were stolen. Nectan found them,
remonstrated with the thieves, and tried to convert them to Christ. They
rewarded his efforts by cutting off his head. After his death, we are
told, he carried his head for half a mile to the spring by his hut.
Nectan's cultus was substantial in the West Country. Bishop Lyfing of
Crediton (1021-1046) provided treasures for the church at Hartland,
including bells, lead for the roof, and a sculpted reliquary. Nectan's
staff was decorated with gold, silver, and jewels. Manors were built
around the church to give it some protection from against Danish
invaders. Hartland has had other illustrious benefactors: King
Harthacnut, Earl Godwin, and Godwin's wife. Canons restored the church,
which was in their care until the Reformation.
Five churches are dedicated to Nectan in Devon and Cornwall and possibly
two Breton placenames may be connected with him. His feast is
commemorated at Launceston, Exeter, Wells, and elsewhere. The date of
his death is thought to be May 18; December 4 is the date of his
translation
(
Benedictines,
Farmer).
Troparion of St Nectan tone 4
O holy Father Nectan thou didst follow the bidding of the Lord/ and
didst leave thy father and mother for His sake to embrace the hermit's
life./ Faithful follower of Christ unto death pray that He may save our
souls.
Icons of St. Nectan
http://ocafs.oca.org/FeastSaintsViewer.asp?FSM=6&FSD=17