Saint Hilarion of Gaza

detail of an old holy card of Saint Hilarion of GazaMemorial

Profile

Raised in a pagan family. Converted to Christianity while studying at Alexandria, Egypt as a teenager. Studied with Saint Anthony the Great in the Egyptian desert in 306. He then gave away his wealth, and introduced the eremitical life in the Gaza region of Palestine. Supported himself by weaving baskets. Founded several monasteries in Palestine. Noted for his ascetic life; for years he ate but 15 figs a day. Miracle worker whose fame attracted unwanted crowds; to escape the people, including his most dedicated student Saint Hesychius, the notoriety, and the persecutions of Julian the Apsotate, he lived on Mount Sinai, in Egypt, in Sicily, in Dalmatia, on Paphos, and Cyprus.

Born

Died

Canonized

Patronage

MLA Citation

  • “Saint Hilarion of Gaza“. CatholicSaints.Info. 27 December 2023. Web. 24 April 2024. <>