GERMINIUS, Arian bishop of Sirmium. — A native of Cyzicus, he was elected bishop in 351, succeeding the deposed Photinus. A follower of pure Arianism, in 357 he took part in drafting the second anonymous formula of Sirmium.
To him, together with Ursacius and Valens, Pope Liberius addressed the letter: *Quia scio*. The following year he took part in the Council held in his city, at which the third Homoiousian formula was promulgated, and in 359 he again signed the fourth Homoiousian formula. He attended the Council of Rimini in 359, where he advocated acceptance of this last formula; he was therefore deposed for a time by the Catholic party; but after the Council’s defection, he was rehabilitated. Around 366 he again drew close to the Homoiousian party, for which he received a letter of reproach from the old intransigent Arians. Died around 376.