Translation of the relics of Saint Hilarion, Bishop of Meglin in Bulgaria (Commemorated on October 21)
The transfer of the relics of Saint Hilarion, Bishop of Meglin, to the Bulgarian city of Trnovo took place in 1206. Before this, the saint’s body was kept in Meglin.
Saint Hilarion grew up in a devout Christian family. At the age of eighteen, he entered monastic life. His virtuous and disciplined way of living led to his appointment as igumen (abbot) of the monastery. Deeply devoted to the spiritual well-being of his brethren, he constantly urged the monks not to waste their lives but to prepare their souls for salvation, and he firmly put an end to drunkenness in the monastery.
In 1134, during the spread of the Bogomil heresy in Bulgaria, Hilarion was consecrated Bishop of Meglin. The Bogomils believed that good and evil existed as separate forces locked in conflict. With apostolic zeal and fervent prayer, Saint Hilarion worked tirelessly to oppose this heresy. He exposed their false piety and denounced their teachings, declaring:
“You are not true Christians, for you reject the Cross of Christ the Savior. You deny the one true God and slander the Old Testament revered by Christians. You mislead people with false humility, while pride fills your hearts. True faith is found not in those who ignore their own sinfulness, but in those who humbly seek God’s grace through prayer. Evil thoughts, envy, vanity, greed, and lies do not come from some external evil force to be defeated by fasting alone—they are the fruits of self-love and must be rooted out through spiritual struggle.”
Through his preaching and guidance, many heretics renounced their errors and returned to the Orthodox Church. Saint Hilarion also firmly opposed the Armenian Monophysite movement in Bulgaria, which denied Christ’s human nature and acknowledged only His divinity.
Saint Hilarion reposed in the Lord in 1164.
Troparion — Tone 4
In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith, / an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence; / your humility exalted you; / your poverty enriched you. / Hierarch Father Hilarion, / entreat Christ our God / that our souls may be saved.