Saint · 8-9
Hilarion of Optina
Venerable Hilarion of Optina
New Calendar September 18 Old Calendar October 1
Why they are a saint
On the night of Pascha, April 8-9, 1805, Saint Hilarion (Ponamarov) was born in Kluch, the third son of Nikḗtas and Euphemia Ponamarov, who named him Rodion in honor of Saint Herodion of the Seventy. The Orthodox Church commemorates Hilarion of Optina on September 18.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Hilarion of Optina as a patron when they bear the name Hilarion at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on September 18. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Hilarion of Optina, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.