St. Basil the Great

Saint Basil the Great

Confessor & Doctor of the Church

Basil was born in Cappadocia around the year of Our Lord 330, to a family full of fellow saints, including his father St. Basil the Elder, mother St. Emmelia, grandmother St. Macrina, and several siblings, including St. Gregory of Nyssa. While studying in Athens, Basil met St. Gregory Nazianzen, who became a lifelong friend. Basil returned to Cappadocia to teach, but felt dangerously tempted in this secular career, and gave up his possessions to become a monk. His writings on monasticism were deeply influential. After several years Basil was drawn back to public life, in the midst of many theological disputes, and he was eventually made bishop of Caesarea on this day in the year of Our Lord 370. The presence of this champion of doctrine in such an influential diocese proved invaluable in the Church’s battle with heresy, particularly Arianism, and Basil made numerous contributions to theology, liturgy, and more. He was also deeply devoted to the sick and poor. After almost a decade of near constant difficulties and setbacks, Basil died on January 1st, 379, mourned not only by his flock but by pagans, Jews, and others. Basil is also celebrated on January 1st and 30th in the East, and on January 2nd in the modern calendar.

Traditional Roman Martyrology for June 14th

AT Caesarea, in Cappadocia, the consecration of St. Basil, bishop and doctor of the Church, who was eminent for learning and wisdom in the time of the emperor Valens. Being adorned with every virtue, he was a great light in the Church, and defended her with admirable constancy against the Arians and Macedonians.

At Samaria, in Palestine, the holy prophet Eliseus, whose grave, says St. Jerome, makes the demons tremble. With him rests also the prophet Abdias.

At Syracuse, St. Marcian, bishop, who was made bishop by blessed Peter, and killed by the Jews after he had preached the Gospel.

At Soissons, the holy martyrs Valerius and Rufinus, who, after enduring many torments, were condemned to be beheaded by the governor Rictiovarus, in the persecution of Diocletian.

At Cordova, the holy martyrs Anastasius, priest, Felix, monk, and Digna, virgin.

At Constantinople, St. Methodius, bishop.

At Vienne, St. AEtherius, bishop.

At Rhodez, St. Quinctian, bishop.

℣. And elsewhere many other holy martyrs, confessors, and holy virgins.

℟. Thanks be to God.