Hilarion of Kyiv

Leonid S. Chekin (Independent Scholar - North America)
Download PDF Add to Bookshelf Report an Error

Hilarion (Ilarion), Metropolitan of Kyiv (Kiev) from 1051 to 1054 or 1055, is the author of the earliest extant works of original literature in the so-called “Old East Slavic,” or “Rusian” language. These terms designate a group of linguistic varieties in the realm of

Kievan Rus

. Kievan Rus of the time of Hilarion should be understood as a domain of Rurikid princes, with the prince of Kiev being the senior prince, and a single Orthodox Church jurisdiction under the rule of the Metropolitan of Kyiv. Literary historians have elevated Hilarion’s most famous work, the Sermon on Law and Grace, to the status of a founding text of literature in East Slavic languages.

Medieval chronicles provide some information about Hilarion’s career. In an entry dated in the year 1051, the Primary

2493 words

Citation: Chekin, Leonid S.. "Hilarion of Kyiv". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 07 June 2024 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=15140, accessed 02 December 2024.]

15140 Hilarion of Kyiv 1 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

Save this article

Leave Feedback

The Literary Encyclopedia is a living community of scholars. We welcome comments which will help us improve.