Saint Hilarion

Saint Hilarion, also known as Hilarion the Great, was a monk and mystic who lived from around 291 AD in Tabatha, Palestine (near modern Gaza), to 371 AD in Cyprus. He is celebrated for founding Christian monasticism in Palestine, modeled after the Egyptian tradition established by Anthony the Great. His feast day is October 21.

Hilarion's journey began in a pagan household, but he converted to Christianity while studying in Alexandria. Influenced by the renowned desert ascetic Anthony of Egypt, Hilarion spent two months learning from him. In 306 AD, he returned to Palestine and established himself as a hermit in the desert near Gaza.

Living a life of strict asceticism, Hilarion fasted, chanted psalms, and wove baskets to earn his subsistence. He struggled against fleshly desires and became known for his spiritual discipline. Over time, he attracted disciples and people seeking healing and exorcism. Hilarion's legacy includes numerous miracles, such as healing the sick, driving out demons, and foreseeing the future. In 329 AD, he founded the first Palestinian monastery.

Despite his efforts to live in prayer and solitude, people were naturally drawn to Hilarion as a source of spiritual wisdom and peace. As his fame grew, a small group of disciples wanted to follow him. Seeking solitude, he migrated to Egypt, North Africa, Sicily, and eventually settled in Cyprus, where he died at about age 80 in 371.

Hilarion's life as a hermit involved enduring spiritual dryness and temptations to despair, yet miracles were attributed to him. His fame grew so much that after his death, his body had to be secretly removed to prevent a shrine from being built in his honor. Instead, he was buried in his home village.

Saint Hilarion is venerated in the Oriental Orthodox Church, Eastern Orthodox Church, and Roman Catholic Church. Much of his fame comes from a biography written by Saint Jerome. His life teaches us the value of solitude—a positive condition where we are alone with God. In today's busy and noisy world, we could all benefit from a little solitude.