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
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Saint Hilary of Poitiers, born around 310 and died in 367, was a Bishop of Poitiers and a Doctor of the Church. He did not grow up in a Christian household and was baptized only around 345, at the end of a long journey; he became bishop of his hometown around 353-354. 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 (356-360/361), 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."
