Translation of the Relics of Saint Hilarion of Meglin (1206) — October 21 / November 3 (Julian Calendar)

On this day, October 21 according to the Julian Calendar (November 3 civil calendar), the Georgian Orthodox Church commemorates the Translation of the Relics of Saint Hilarion of Meglin.

Saint Hilarion of Meglin was a Greek nobleman of Constantinople. At the age of eighteen he turned away from the pleasures of this world and became a monk. Soon the blessed father was appointed abbot of his monastery for his pious and strict ascetic life. The saint zealously cared for the salvation of the souls entrusted to him and urged the brethren to guard the precious time given to them for their salvation. In 1134 the Lord’s chosen one was consecrated Bishop of Meglin. In that office he labored greatly to refute the heretical teachings of the Bogomils and Monophysites, which were then widespread in Bulgaria. The holy hierarch reposed in 1164. His incorrupt relics were translated from Meglin to the city of Tarnovo in 1206. On October 21 the Church commemorates precisely this event.