Faro of Meaux

Holy Hierarch Faro of Meaux (Burgundofaro) was bishop of Meaux in Gaul between 625 and 637 and reposed around 675. He had been count of Guînes, came of an ancient noble Burgundian family, known after him as the Faronids, and greatly encouraged monasticism. He is a saint of the Orthodox and the Roman Church, and of the undivided Church.

His father, Ageneric, was one of the principal lords at the court of Theodebert II; his brothers Waldebert and Chagnoald became respectively abbot of Luxeuil and bishop of Laon, and his sister Burgundofara founded the convent of Faremoutiers. He spent his youth at the court of Theodebert II, then served his successors, and was known for his readiness to relieve those in distress. Once, provoked by the insolent speeches of certain Saxon ambassadors, King Clothar had them imprisoned and swore to put them to death; Faro first prevailed on him to defer the execution twenty-⁠four hours, and then to pardon them and send them home loaded with presents.

In speaking with his sister he formed the idea of giving up court life. His wife, Blidechilde, was of the same mind, and they parted by mutual consent: she took the religious veil and retired to a solitary place on one of her estates, and he received the tonsure and joined the clergy of Meaux. He succeeded Gundoald as bishop. He built a monastery at Estrouanne, near the port of Wissant. When Saint Fiacre wished to live in solitude in the forest, Faro assigned him a site at Breuil in Brie, where Fiacre built an oratory in honour of the Virgin Mary, a hospice for strangers and a cell for himself.

He is commemorated on 28 October, the liturgical date in the Orthodox calendar (the same day number on the old and new calendars).