Saint Hilaire, Bishop of Poitiers

His Holiness Pope Shenouda III was born in the Poitiers area in southwestern France in the late third century and reposed in 368, and he was baptized as a young man with his wife and daughter, then he delved into studying the Holy Book and found in it what he did not find in the books of philosophy.

Episcopal service and exile
He assumed the episcopate in 350 and spent part of the years in exile because his era still suffered from the effect of Arianism; he was exiled to the Phrygian region in Asia Minor then returned then was exiled again and spent his last years in exile.

His theological stance
He focused in his writings on proving the divinity of Christ and the unity of the Trinity, and he wrote a comprehensive work of twelve parts on the doctrine of the Trinity (De Trinitate) in which he excelled in defending the Trinity and showing its presence in the Old Testament and various texts.

Scriptural meditations and commentaries
He wrote meditations and commentaries on some Psalms and verses from the Gospels, he discussed texts such as “I and the Father are one” and interpreted them on the basis of the unity of the divine nature, and he explained issues related to the Son’s knowledge of certain things (such as the hour of the end) as involving a concealment of knowledge rather than an essential ignorance.

Relationship with the church and authority
His work did not remain limited to his local flock but he entered theological disputes with trends that spread in his time, and his activity sometimes caused envy and conspiracies that led to persecution and exile but he continued to defend the faith.

Spiritual and educational character
His life and writings are characterized by combining theological depth and practical spirituality: contemplation, the incarnation as the heart of theological inquiry, and the homiletical application of texts to serve the edification of the people.

Spiritual legacy
He left an important literary and exegetical heritage that enriches Orthodox theology, especially in the field of the Trinity and the incarnation of the Word, and his texts remain a reference for those who wish to research the doctrine of Christ’s incarnation and the unity of divinity and humanity.

For better translation support, please contact the center.