Saint Hilarion the Great

A life of faith

Hilarion was born near Gaza and encountered Christianity while studying in Alexandria. After baptism he sought instruction from Anthony the Great, then returned to Palestine. He distributed his inheritance to people in need and entered the desert near Maiuma. The received life describes persistent prayer amid fear and spiritual struggle. People later sought his counsel, and monastic communities grew with his encouragement. He refused payment for the help associated with his ministry, treating divine gifts as something freely received. His later years included solitude on Cyprus. Orthodox remembrance honors him as an important father of Palestinian monastic life.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Give freely within your means and resist turning every ability into a claim for reward. Let a short, steady prayer accompany one act of practical kindness.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.