1085(April) – 1087 (from Heinrich IV. against Altmann appointed Bishop of Passau)
At the synod of the bishops of Mainz, who are devoted to the emperor, Hermann of Eppenstein is raised up to the (Opposite-)bishop of Passau, instead of bishop Altmann , who hangs up to the papal party. A short time after the clergy of Passau recepts him as liberator. A connection with the deposition of Altmann and the appointment of Hermann as bishop is suggested by the "Vita Altmanni" (MG SS 12, S. 234), by reporting of the activities of the heretics, who robbed Altmann`s chair and appointed an opposite-bishop.
Hermann is born as the son of Duke Markward and grandchild of Duke Adalberos of Kärnten, both belonging to the family of the Eppensteiner. He is the brother of the Dukes Liutold (1067-1090) and Heinrich (1090-1122) of Kärnten and of abbot Ulrich III. of St. Gallen (1067-1121), who later becomes the "Patriarch of Aquileja".
There are no informations about his development before his appointment, and in the lists of Passau`s bishops, his name is not mentioned, because he is regarded as an opposite-bishop.
1086 Hermann is excommunicated by the archbishop Gerhard of Salzburg, by bishop Altmann of Passau and by Meginward of Freising.
It is said that in his deathbed in the year 1087 Hermann has done penance, and that he has asked for absolution from his churchban. It is said that he has shown remorse for the displacement of Altmann as bishop and it is also said that he has sent back the biscopal "Insignien" to Altmann. His entourage thought that these things were feverphantasies.
worked out by: Susanne Fischer
translation by: Susanne Fischer
(2004/18.8.2005)