In the annals of early Christian monasticism, stories of unwavering faith and devotion echo through time. Among these inspiring figures is St. Ilaria, a woman of noble birth who chose a life of asceticism and service, disguised as a monk. Her tale, intertwined with family drama and divine intervention, offers a compelling glimpse into the spiritual landscape of the 5th century. This is the story of St. Ilaria, known in some traditions as St. Hilary, a figure whose life exemplifies the power of faith and the profound impact of selfless devotion.
The narrative begins with Ilaria’s family, particularly her younger sister, Theopiste, who was afflicted by a mysterious ailment described as demonic possession. In their desperation, Ilaria’s parents, already grieving the loss of other children, sought help from every available source. Physicians were consulted, rewards were offered, but Theopiste’s condition remained unchanged. Turning to spiritual remedies, they sent Theopiste to the Monastery of St. Macarius in Scetis, hoping that the prayers of the monks could bring about healing.
Alt text: Ancient Monastery of St. Macarius in Scetis, a historical monastic site in Egypt, showcasing its enduring architecture.
The monks at Scetis, a community of celibate and humble men, were initially taken aback by the arrival of a princess and her retinue. Among them was a monk named Hilary, whose profound emotional response upon seeing Theopiste was interpreted as a sign. The text recounts that Hilary, overwhelmed by compassion, “drenched the ground with a flood of tears.” This intense reaction led the monks to believe that Hilary was divinely chosen to intercede for Theopiste. Consequently, Hilary was entrusted with the task of praying for the ailing princess and was even permitted to take her to his secluded cell for focused prayer and care.
For seven days, the sisters remained together in the solitude of Hilary’s cell. Ilaria, still concealing her true identity, tended to Theopiste with sisterly love and devotion. She embraced her, comforted her, and shared her space, offering solace and companionship. This intimate and compassionate care, coupled with unwavering prayer, culminated in a miraculous healing. On the seventh day, Theopiste was restored to health, both in mind and body.
Alt text: Byzantine icon depicting a tender embrace between saints, symbolizing sisterhood, compassion, and spiritual healing.
Upon their return home, Theopiste, now fully recovered, greeted her father. Her father, Zeno, the Emperor, was understandably overjoyed but also deeply curious and somewhat perplexed. He questioned Theopiste about the monk Hilary and the nature of their time together. Zeno’s inquiries stemmed from a place of concern and a desire to understand the circumstances of his daughter’s miraculous recovery.
Driven by a need for answers, Emperor Zeno summoned Monk Hilary to the palace to provide an explanation. In some versions of the story, Zeno, seeking to understand Hilary’s healing abilities firsthand, feigns illness and requests Hilary’s aid. Ilaria, aware of her father’s shrewd nature and the potential implications of revealing her secret, acted with wisdom and foresight.
Before disclosing her true identity, Ilaria requested the Gospels and made her father swear an oath upon the holy book. She sought assurance that she would be allowed to return to her monastic life after revealing the truth. Recognizing that Hilary had indeed saved Theopiste, Zeno solemnly agreed to her condition.
It was then that Ilaria unveiled her true self, revealing her identity as his daughter. The revelation was met with overwhelming emotion. Some accounts mention a birthmark as a confirming sign, solidifying her identity. The palace was filled with tears of joy and relief as the family was reunited and the mystery of Monk Hilary was resolved.
Alt text: Detail from a Byzantine mosaic depicting an empress and emperor with attendants, reminiscent of Emperor Zeno’s imperial court.
Ilaria remained at the palace for three months, reconnecting with her family. However, her heart remained committed to her monastic calling. When she expressed her intention to return to the desert, Emperor Zeno initially refused, reluctant to let her go again. But Ilaria reminded him of his oath, and a compromise was reached. Ilaria was permitted to return to her solitary life of prayer. In return, Emperor Zeno, demonstrating his gratitude and support, pledged substantial resources to the monastic community in Scetis. He wrote to the Governor of Egypt, ensuring a continuous supply of grain, oil, and other necessities for the monks. Furthermore, he sponsored construction projects to expand the monastery, accommodating the growing number of monks drawn to the ascetic life.
Following her return to the desert, St. Ilaria continued her monastic life for many years, living in peace and devotion. Upon her death, her passing was mourned by her family and the monastic community. The narrative recounts that when the monks prepared her body for burial, it shone with a radiant light, a testament to her spiritual purity and the divine grace she had received.
Emperor Zeno, despite his imperial responsibilities and historical significance – remembered for his role in the fall of the Roman Empire and his Henotikon decree aimed at religious reconciliation – remained a lifelong supporter of the monastery to which his daughter had dedicated her life. The Monastery of St. Macarius in Scetis, nurtured by imperial patronage and sustained by the legacy of figures like St. Ilaria, continues to thrive to this day, a living testament to the enduring power of faith and monasticism.
St. Ilaria, whose name shares roots with “hilarious” and “joy,” embodies the joy found in a life dedicated to God. While icons of her may be rare, the image of her – radiantly serene, marked by ascetic discipline, and filled with spiritual joy – persists. St. Ilaria is commemorated on the Dormition of the Theotokos, a day that also marks the anniversary of her own peaceful passing into eternal life. Her story serves as an enduring inspiration, highlighting the transformative power of faith, the strength of familial bonds, and the profound impact of a life dedicated to spiritual pursuit.
References:
- http://www.stgeorgeministry.com/holy-women-saint-hilaria/
- https://copticcrew.com/pages/st-hilaria-the-daughter-of-emperor-zeno
- https://suscopts.org/readings/2023/jan/29/
- https://www.tertullian.org/fathers/hilaria_04_coptic.htm
- https://www.ccel.org/ccel/pearse/morefathers/files/hilaria_05_longarabic.htm
- https://www.ccel.org/ccel/pearse/morefathers/files/hilaria_02_intro.htm
- https://ccdl.claremont.edu/digital/collection/cce/id/970/
- https://www.messenger.com.ge/issues/2120_june_4_2010/2120_history.html
