Saint Basil the Great, born in 330 in Caesarea of Cappadocia, was one of ten children to his parents, St. Basil the Elder and St. Emmelia, with several of his siblings also recognized as saints. He pursued his education in Caesarea, Constantinople, and Athens, where he met his lifelong friend St. Gregory Nazianzen in 352.
Following his studies, Basil established a school of oratory in Caesarea and practiced law for some time. However, he soon shifted his focus to a monastic life, founding a monastery in Pontus, which he managed for five years. His contribution to monasticism includes the creation of a monastic rule that remains influential in Eastern Christianity.
Basil’s path led him to further religious commitments. In 370, he was ordained and became the bishop of Caesarea. His tenure as bishop was marked by significant activity and contributions in various fields, including theology, charity, and church administration. Known for his vast knowledge, eloquence, and immense charity, he was titled “Great” during his lifetime and posthumously named a Doctor of the Church.
A key figure in early Christianity, Basil played a crucial role in affirming Nicene orthodoxy against Arianism in the Byzantine East. His efforts significantly influenced the condemnation of Arianism at the Council of Constantinople in 381-82.
Moreover, Basil actively combated simony and worked tirelessly to aid those affected by drought and famine. He advocated for higher clergy standards and maintained strict clerical discipline. Known for his fearlessness in denouncing evil, he excommunicated those involved in the prostitution trade in Cappadocia. His legacy encompasses his accomplishments in statesmanship, personal holiness, and as one of Christianity’s great orators.
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 was a prominent early Christian bishop, theologian, and monastic leader known for combating Arianism and his contributions to Eastern Christianity.){kind=link}
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How awesome he shares the same Feast day with his good friend, St Gregory Nazianzen! Love to hear that he denounced evil wherever he detected it. And stood strong by excommunicating those in the prostitution trafficking! We need more courageous Saints like him in our own day. A good “sweeping of the house” would do our Church a word of good! St Basil the Great, please pray for us!
Amen to that Monica! In addition to a “good sweeping of the house,” We could use a good sweeping of ALL our elected officials in D.C. too come next election!
[…] on January 2, the Eighth Day of Christmas by traditional reckoning. This day is also the feast of Saints Basil and Gregory Nazianzen, two of the three great Saints who are known as the “Cappadocian Fathers.” […]
Saint Basil the Great, pray for us!
St. Basil, pray for us.
O great and most glorious hierarch of Christ, divinely-wise teacher of the Church in all the world, firm confessor and champion of Orthodoxy, all-blessed Father Basil!
Look down from the heights of Heaven upon us who humbly fall down before thee, and entreat the Lord Almighty, Whose faithful minister on earth thou wast,
to grant us firm and unchanging custody of the right Faith, obedience to the Holy Church,
correction of our way of life, and swift help patience and strength in all our needs, sorrows and temptations.
Bestow thy holy blessing upon us, so that, protected by it, in this new year, we might live every day in a manner pleasing unto God,
in peace and penitence, and be vouchsafed together with thee and all the Saints, in the kingdom of Heaven to hymn and glorify the Life-creating Trinity: the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, for ages of ages.
Amen.
Saint Basil the Great, pray for us!