Hilarion was born in 775, a pious family. His parents were deeply religious, constantly studying Holy Scripture. Together with them, little Hilarion spent time in prayer, strictly observed fasts. Not surprisingly, when he grew up, he decided to take a haircut. The monastery was near Constantinople, but later, Hilarion went to the Dalmatian monastery. Under this name he was known: Hilarion of Dalmatia. The new was called to distinguish him from the namesake, Hilarion the Great. In the monastery he received a great schema, became a priest.
His companion, Hilarion, revered and in everything tried to be like him. He was constantly in prayer, humbly performed the work entrusted to him, was distinguished by high spirituality.
Hilarion earned the respect of the brothers. When the hegumen left the earthly vale, they wanted Hilarion to head the monastery. He considered himself so unworthy that he even left the monastery.
But the monks of the Dalmatian Monastery petitioned the patriarch and he ordered Hilarion to take over this ministry. As many as 8 years passed in labor, cares and prayers, but then the emperor Leo, an iconoclast, ascended the throne.
All who venerated the icons were persecuted and persuaded to abdicate. Hilarion was tortured, starved. Having achieved nothing, they were imprisoned. He never agreed to give up the worship of holy images.
As a result of the coup, a new emperor, Michael, ascended to the throne. He was more tolerant and released Illarion from prison. The exhausted, exhausted hegumen settled in a lonely cell to recover. There he witnessed how the soul of another saint, Theodore Studite, rushed to heaven surrounded by angels.
After 6 years, there was a power transition again. Another iconoclast ascended the throne – Theophilus. Hilarion was again arrested, tortured and then exiled to the island of Afusia. After the death of Theophilus, his wife, Saint Theodora, returned all the priests from exile and again allowed the veneration of icons.
Only then was Hilarion able to return to his monastery. After 3 years, at the age of 70, he died. The brethren mourned their abbot, noting his virtues.
Remembrance days
June 19
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
