Venerable Hilarion the Hermit

(21 October/3 November)

Before his tonsure to great schema, this Holy Father was the Metropolitan of Kiev (elected in 1051). He was a shepherd of the Rus’ Church until 1055, when he left his cathedra to struggle at the Kiev Cave Monastery.

As a monk, Hilarion was cell attendant to St Theodosius, and he spent much time writing and copying books. He once told to St Nestor how he was frequently tempted by demons, but St Theodosius admonished him to persevere and, through his prayers, drove away the demons.

Metropolitan Hilarion received schema from St Anthony and continued his struggle in the cave. He reposed in the Lord in 1067.