A Champion of Good: The Life of Father Ilarion

Champion of Good: The Life of Father Ilarion

Author: Natalia Mikhailovna Kopvttseva
Format: Softcover
Pages: 192

Description:
“In Father I saw a person who lived for God…”

This moving biography presents the life of Father Ilarion, a true Russian Staretz, or spiritual elder, whose presence radiated love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and the other virtues of a soul deeply united to God.

Many readers may be familiar with the idea of the Russian spiritual elder through the works of Dostoyevsky. In Father Ilarion, we encounter an authentic elder of our own time. A monk of the renowned Glinsk Hermitage in modern-day Ukraine, he later spent much of his life serving humbly as a parish priest in a village in Russia’s Novgorod region.

His life offers a powerful example of simple Christian holiness in the modern world. Rather than seeking wealth, status, or comfort, Father Ilarion lived with complete devotion to God and neighbour. His story invites readers to rediscover the beauty of a life centred on prayer, humility, love, and spiritual joy.

This biography also provides valuable insight into the Orthodox Church in Russia during the communist period and the years that followed. It shows how the Orthodox faith was preserved despite the closure of churches and monasteries, and despite the suffering, exile, and execution of many clergy and faithful believers.

The account of Glinsk Hermitage is especially rich and detailed, offering readers a glimpse into its spiritual life, history, and influence. With many firsthand memories from Father Ilarion’s spiritual children, this book also reveals aspects of contemporary Russian Orthodox culture, faith, and religious experience.

A deeply inspiring read for anyone interested in Orthodox spirituality, Russian elders, monastic life, modern saints, and the enduring witness of faith under persecution.