Hilary of Poitiers
Nicknamed the "Athanasius of the West," this 4th-century bishop of Gaul was a great defender of the divinity of Christ and was exiled to Phrygia for his opposition to Arianism.
- Antiquity
- France
- Feast day January 13
- c. 310 – 367
- Doctor of the Church
- Bishop
Saint Hilary of Poitiers, born around 310 and died in 367, was a Bishop of Poitiers and a Doctor of the Church. Converted to Christianity in his youth, he became bishop of his hometown around 350. Hilary was a staunch defender of Nicene orthodoxy, vigorously opposing Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ. His steadfastness led to his exile in Phrygia by the Arian emperor Constantius II. During his exile (356-359), he wrote his major work, "De Trinitate," a masterful defense of the Trinity. He returned to Poitiers and continued his ministry, playing a crucial role in pacifying the Gallic Church and promoting orthodox faith. He is sometimes called "the Athanasius of the West."
Patronage
Sayings for the day — January 13
- Arcade et Hilaire, gèlent les rivières
- Soleil au jour de Saint Hilaire, rentre du bois pour l'hiver
- Soleil et chaleur à la Saint Hilaire, n'indiquent pas la fin de l'hiver
- Du soleil pour Saint-Hilarion (Hilaire), il faudra force tisons.