Born at Poitiers of pagan, wealthy parents, Hilary became an orator, married
and had a daughter Aftra.
In 350 he became a Christian through a long process of study. He was chosen
bishop in c353, and for the rest of his life he was the outspoken champion of
orthodoxy against the Arians.
He was described as the 'Athanasius of the West'. This reputation was based on
his defence of orthodoxy at the Synod of Bitterae in 356 and the council of
Seleucia in 359 and also by his exile for four years to Phrygia under the
Emperor Constantius (356-60).
Hilary returned to Gaul amid great rejoicing, under him discipline and
orthodoxy were restored.
In character Hilary was gentle, courteous, and friendly, although his writings
could be sometimes severe in tone.
His feast, January 13th, began the Hilary Term at the Law Courts, and in some
Universities Hilary as a Christian name has been used for women as well as men,
both in the middle ages and in the 20th century.
There are only three churches dedicated to St. Hilary in the whole of England.
Written and contributed by Phillip Lloyd.
