Hilary of Poitiers | |
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![]() The Ordination of Saint Hilary, from a 14th-century manuscript | |
"Malleus Arianorum" and the "Athanasius of the West"; Bishop, Confessor and Doctor of the Church | |
Born | c. 310 Pictavium, Gallia Narbonensis, Roman Empire |
Died | c. 367 (aged c. 56–57) Pictavium, Septem Provinciae, Roman Empire |
Venerated in | Roman Catholic Church Eastern Orthodox Church Anglican Communion Lutheran Church Oriental Orthodoxy |
Canonized | Pre-Congregation |
Feast | 13 January 14 January (Byzantine Christianity; some local calendars and pre-1970 General Roman Calendar) |
Attributes | episcopal vestments, a mitre and crozier, and usually white and often long beard[1] |
Influences | Origen, Athanasius |
Hilary of Poitiers (Latin: Hilarius Pictaviensis; c. 310 – c. 367)[2] was Bishop of Poitiers and a Doctor of the Church. He was sometimes referred to as the "Hammer of the Arians" (Malleus Arianorum) and the "Athanasius of the West".[3] His name comes from the Latin word for happy or cheerful. In addition to his important work as bishop, Hilary was married and the father of Abra of Poitiers, a nun and saint who became known for her charity.