Germanus of Auxerre

Germanus was a western Roman clergyman who was bishop of Autissiodorum (modern Auxerre) in Late Antique Gaul. He abandoned a career as a high-ranking government official to devote his formidable energy towards the promotion of the church and the protection of his "flock" in dangerous times, personally confronting, for instance, the barbarian king "Goar". In Britain he is best remembered for his journey to combat Pelagianism in or around 429 AD, and the records of this visit provide valuable information on the state of post-Roman British society. He also played an important part in the establishment and promotion of the Cult of Saint Alban. The saint was said to have revealed the story of his martyrdom to Germanus in a dream or holy vision, and Germanus ordered this to be written down for public display. Germanus is venerated as a saint in both the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches, which commemorate him on 31 July.¹ Germanus was born around 378 AD in Auxerre, Gaul, to a noble family. He received a classical education in Arles and Lyons, and then went to Rome, where he studied law and rhetoric. He became a successful lawyer and a high-ranking official in the imperial administration. He married Eustachia, a lady of the court, and enjoyed a wealthy and influential lifestyle. However, his life changed dramatically when he was ordained as a deacon by force by Bishop Amator of Auxerre, who wanted him to be his successor. Amator had been offended by Germanus's hunting trophies, which he considered pagan, and had them burned. Germanus was furious and threatened to kill Amator, but the bishop fled to Rome and obtained permission from the prefect Julius to confer the tonsure on Germanus. When Germanus returned to Auxerre, Amator locked him in the church and shaved his head, making him a cleric. Amator then died soon after, and Germanus was consecrated as bishop of Auxerre in 418 AD.¹ As bishop, Germanus proved to be a zealous pastor and a staunch defender of orthodoxy. He opposed the heresy of Pelagianism, which denied original sin and human dependence on divine grace. He also fought against the Arianism of the Visigoths and other barbarian tribes that threatened the Roman Empire. He attended several councils and synods, such as those of Arles (426 AD), Troyes (429 AD), and Orange (441 AD), where he upheld the Nicene Creed and condemned various errors. He also maintained good relations with the popes and other bishops, such as Lupus of Troyes, Honoratus of Arles, Hilary of Arles, and Eucherius of Lyons.¹ Germanus is most famous for his two missions to Britain, where he confronted the Pelagian heresy that had spread among some Christians. The first mission took place in 429 AD, when he was sent by Pope Celestine I along with Lupus of Troyes at the request of a deputation from Britain. Germanus and Lupus travelled through Gaul, gathering supporters and performing miracles along the way. They arrived in Britain and engaged in a public debate with the Pelagian leaders at a place called Verulamium (modern St Albans). The debate ended with a dramatic demonstration of Germanus's orthodoxy and authority, when he asked a lame man to stand up and walk in the name of the Trinity. The man was instantly healed, and the crowd acclaimed Germanus as the true teacher of the faith. Germanus then visited the tomb of Saint Alban, the first British martyr, and claimed to have received a vision of his life and death. He ordered the story to be written down and displayed for public veneration, thus establishing the cult of Saint Alban in Britain.¹ The second mission took place in 447 AD, when Germanus returned to Britain with Severus, bishop of Trier, to deal with a renewed outbreak of Pelagianism. He also faced the threat of a Pictish invasion from the north, which he repelled by leading the Britons in a battle cry of "Alleluia" at a place called Maes Garmon (modern Mold). The sound of the shout was so loud that it caused a landslide that crushed the enemy. Germanus then celebrated Easter with the Britons and confirmed them in the faith. He also ordained priests and deacons, and blessed the future Saint Patrick, who was then a young captive in Britain.¹ Germanus died around 445 AD in Ravenna, Italy, where he had gone to intercede for the Armorican rebels who had revolted against the Roman authorities. He was buried in the church of Saint Maria ad Blachernas, near the imperial palace. His relics were later transferred to Auxerre, where they are still venerated today. His feast day is celebrated on July 31 in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox churches, and on August 3 in Wales.¹