Hilary of Poitiers

A married convert from paganism who was elected bishop of Poitiers around 350, Hilary became the West's great voice against Arianism, earning the nickname 'Athanasius of the West.' Exiled to Phrygia by the emperor Constantius for his defiance, he used the banishment to master Greek theology and returned to Gaul carrying the East's best arguments with him. His On the Trinity is the first full Latin treatment of the doctrine, and his Commentary on Matthew is the earliest complete Latin commentary on that Gospel to survive. He was also among the very first Latin hymn writers.

Exile was meant to silence him; instead he spent it mastering Greek theology and proved so troublesome that his opponents were glad to send him home.

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