In the world, Iessei Kanchaveli was born in 1776 in Imereti. From an early age, he was dedicated to God and taught to read the Holy Scriptures. After moving to the Tabakini Monastery, he aspired to a spiritual life and received education from Archimandrite Gerontius. Later, becoming a presbyter and royal advisor, he participated in the political affairs of the Imeretian kingdom.
After the death of Solomon II, Iessei returned to Imereti and became the spiritual advisor to the widow of the king, Queen Maria. In 1819, seeking solitude, he went to Mount Athos, where he took monastic vows with the name Hilarion. Through his ascetic feats on Athos, he became renowned as a hermit, spending time in prayer and seclusion.
Saint Hilarion lived in various monasteries, including Dionysiou and Iveron, where he engaged in the study of Georgian books and the compilation of a library catalog. He became known as the 'spiritual advisor of spiritual advisors of Athos,' hearing confessions and giving counsel. His life was full of trials, including struggles with demons and conflicts with the brotherhood.
He reposed on February 14, 1864, in Rusiki, having bequeathed to be buried in a secret place. His relics were soon discovered and venerated. Saint Hilarion was canonized by the Georgian Church in 2002, and in 2016, his name was included in the calendar of the Russian Orthodox Church.
