Germanus

germain) (c.496-576. Bishop of Paris. Born at Autun, he was ordained priest in 530 and later became abbot of the monastery of St. Symphorian at Autun. In 555 he succeeded Eusebius as bishop of Paris, and from this position seems to have exercised considerable influence over Childebert, whose edict against pagan revelries on holy days is probably due to him. Germanus's influence may also be seen in Childebert's building of the Church of St. Vincent, in which Germanus was later buried. It then became the Church of St.-Germain-des-Prés. Germanus was present at the third council of Paris (555), the second council of Tours (566), and the fourth council of Paris (573). A treatise on the old Gallic Liturgy is attributed to him, as is a privilege exempting the monastery of St. Symphorian from episcopal jurisdiction, but in both cases his authorship has been disputed.