Aunarius was a 6th-century bishop of Auxerre who served within the Frankish kingdom. Born into a noble family in Orléans, he was raised at the royal court of King Guntram. After being ordained by Syagrius of Autun, he rose to prominence as a presbyter and later as a bishop. Throughout his career, he participated in several significant ecclesiastical gatherings, including the Synods of Paris and Mâcon, and exerted influence over Frankish monarchs to support Roman interests.
Life and career
Following his upbringing in the royal court, Aunarius held significant religious authority. He presided over the Council of Auxerre and mandated daily attendance at the Divine Office. As a writer, he composed the Institutiones de Rogationibus et Vigiliis and penned biographies for Amator and Germanus. His brother served as the Bishop of Orléans, and his ecclesiastical life was marked by active participation in major church councils during the late 6th century.
Veneration and legacy
He is commemorated as a saint in the Catholic and Orthodox traditions, with his feast day observed on September 25. After his death in Auxerre, he was interred at the site of Saint-Germain d'Auxerre. Although some of his relics were later dispersed by Huguenots, his historical influence remains tied to his literary works and his role in shaping Frankish religious practice.