Illarion Gruzinskiy Saint, came from a rich Kakhetian princely family Donauri Date of Birth: 01.01.0822 Country: Dive

1. Saint Ilarion the Georgian
2. Childhood and Early Life
3. Pilgrimage to the Holy Land
4. Return and Monastic Life
5. Further Travels and Death
6. Literary Contributions

Saint Ilarion the Georgian

Saint Ilarion was born into the wealthy Donauri family of Kakheti, Georgia.

Childhood and Early Life

At a young age, Ilarion was tonsured as a monk in a monastery founded by his father. At the age of 16, he moved to the David Gareji Laura, where he spent the next ten years.

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land

At the age of 30, Ilarion became the abbot of a new monastery. However, he soon embarked on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, spending 17 years in the Jordan Desert.

Return and Monastic Life

Upon his return, Ilarion established a monastery in his family's house and donated half of his property to the David Gareji Monastery. He later traveled to Mount Olympus, spending five years there.

Further Travels and Death

Ilarion's travels also included visits to Constantinople (now Istanbul) and Rome. He spent three years in Thessaloniki before his death in 882 at the age of 78. His feast day is celebrated on November 19.

Literary Contributions

Saint Ilarion was known for his translation of the Holy Scriptures and ascetic literature into Georgian. His contributions significantly enriched the Georgian ecclesiastical literature of the time.