St Brieuc (Brioch, Briach, Sant Brieg in Breton), born in British
Cornwall, he came to Paris where he was ordained priest by St Germanus
(not St Germanus of Auxerre) in the year 549. The year after, he
returned back to his country, converted his father, built churches and
monasteries, erected Crosses and worked miracles.
On the day of Pentecost of 565 an angel ordained him to cross over the
sea to preach the Holy Gospel to Brittany. He obeyed and landed near the
mouth of river Jaudy and founded a monastery which later grew into the
city of Treguier.
Later he left with 84 monks , journeyed eastward and founded a new
monastery on the location of the actual town of St Brieuc. He was
elected bishop (date not mentioned), died aged 90 in 614, and many
miracles occurred then.
His relics were translated to the abbey of St Sergius and St Bacchus by
King Heruspee, son of Nominoe to protect them from the Norse invaders.
In 1210, an arm, two ribs and pieces of the saint's skull were
restituted by the monks to the bishop of St Brieuc.
Troparion of St Briach tone 8
O holy Briach, thou dost teach us the value of renunciation, for thou
didst renounce the world to seek salvation.
Therefore we pray, that our
lives may show forth the virtue of self denial and thereby attain the
eternal salvation of our souls.