On the feast day of his heavenly patron, Venerable Hilarion the Schema-monk of the Caves, whose relics rest in the Far Caves, Archimandrite Hilarion, the steward of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, delivered a congratulatory address and spoke about the significant moments of the saint’s life, his spiritual feats, and labours.

The primary source of information about Venerable Hilarion comes from the Life of Venerable Theodosius, written by Nestor the Chronicler. From this account, we learn that Venerable Hilarion spent days and nights praying to God with tears, observing a strict fast, and eating only once a week in imitation of Venerable Theodosius. He was a fervent man of prayer, often with prostrations and tears, and possessed a gentle and meek disposition. He obediently copied books in the cell of Venerable Theodosius.

Archimandrite Hilarion shared that a view suggests that Venerable Hilarion might be the same person as Hilarion, the fifth Metropolitan of Kyiv, who served from 1051 to 1054. It is believed that after stepping down, he took the schema and continued his monastic life in the caves. According to the customs of that time, he was buried with the monastic rites.

Archimandrite Hilarion urged everyone to emulate the steadfast faith and spiritual dedication of Venerable Hilarion the Schema-monk: “Today, as many centuries ago, he remains for all of us a steadfast example and model of fulfilling the will of God.”