Saint Hilarion the Great was born in 291 in the Palestinian village of Tavafa. He studied the sciences in Alexandria, where he received Holy Baptism. Hearing about the life of Saint Anthony the Great, Hilarion went to him to learn how to please God. Upon returning to his homeland, he distributed his possessions and settled in the desert near the city of Maiuma, where he diligently fought against unclean thoughts, overcoming them with fasting and prayer.
Hilarion was tormented by demons, instilling fear and visions in him, but he overcame this through prayer. Once, he was attacked by robbers, and he convinced them to abandon their criminal life. The fame of the saint spread throughout Palestine, and the Lord granted him the power to cast out unclean spirits, healing the sick without charge.
Saint Hilarion, possessing the gift of discernment, recognized the passions of people. Those wishing to save their souls came to him, and by his blessing, monasteries began to arise in Palestine. Seven years before his death, he settled in Cyprus, where he labored in a desert place until the Lord called him to Himself.
