Aunarius of Auxerre

Saint Aunarius of Auxerre, hierarch (Aunaire, Aunacharius), was born around 540 into a noble family of Orléans and was bishop of Auxerre until his death in 603 (other sources give 605). A French source says that he is remembered on 25 September in the East and in the West; he is venerated as a saint.

He was brought up at the court of King Guntram. His brother Austrenus was bishop of Orléans, and his sister Saint Austregildis (Aya) was the mother of Saint Lupus, archbishop of Sens. After a pilgrimage to Tours he decided to become a priest; Saint Syagrius of Autun instructed him and ordained him, and later he was elected bishop of Auxerre.

His episcopate is known for important disciplinary measures that shed light on the religious and moral life of Merovingian times; he ordered solemn litanies to be said daily in the larger centers. He was present at the Fourth Council of Paris in 573 and at the councils of Mâcon in 583 and 585. Pope Pelagius II sent him two letters, announcing the sending of relics and congratulating him on the prosperity of the diocese. He made donations and founded monasteries.