About Saint Hilaire:
Saint Hilaire (born c. 315 AD died c. 367AD) was a fourth-century philosopher whose studies made him a champion of Orthodox Trinitarian theology and also the first Latin writer to introduce Greek doctrine in to Western Christendom. Raised a pagan, he was converted to Christianity through his reading of the scriptures. He was married…priestly celibacy had not been introcuced at this time in history and his wife was still living when he was chosen, against his will, to be the bishop of Poitiers. Nevertheless, he accepted the position and was forced to deal with Arianism, which was being promoted at the time, and denied the divinity of Christ.
We celebrate the Feast Day of Saint Hilaire (Saint Hilary) of Poitiers on January 13.
About the Church of Saint-Hilaire le Grand in Poitiers:
Built in the 11th century, the church of Saint-Hilaire le Grand is built in the Romanesque style and, as the name implies, is dedicated to Saint Hilaire.
The church was entirely covered with Romanesque murals depicting the bishops of Poitiers in the nave, the apocalypse in the choir and drawings in the chapels of the ambulatory. The nave was destroyed during the French Revolution and rebuilt in 1875 and along with a new facade. Some of the murals have survived.
You will find the tomb of Saint Hilaire behind the main altar.
Finding the Church of Saint-Hilaire le Grand in Poitiers:
The church sits atop the central butte of Poitiers, some distance from the city center, and a bit of a climb.
Tel: +33 5 49 41 23 76
Click here for the official website of the town of Poitiers, France (we are not aware of any website for the church itself).
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