Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia

Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, “belongs not to the Church of Caesarea alone, nor merely to his own time, nor was he of benefit only to his own kinsmen, but rather to all lands and cities worldwide, and to all people he brought and still brings benefit, and for Christians he always was and will be a most salvific teacher.” Thus spoke Saint Basil’s contemporary, Saint Amphilochius, Bishop of Iconium (November 23).

Saint Basil was born in the year 330 at Caesarea, the administrative center of Cappadocia. He was of illustrious lineage, famed for its eminence and wealth, and zealous for the Christian Faith. The saint’s grandfather and grandmother on his father’s side had to hide in the forests of Pontus for seven years during the persecution under Diocletian.

Saint Basil’s mother Saint Emilia was the daughter of a martyr. On the Greek calendar, she is commemorated on May 30. Saint Basil’s father was also named Basil. He was a lawyer and renowned rhetorician, and lived at Caesarea.

Ten children were born to the elder Basil and Emilia: five sons and five daughters. Five of them were later numbered among the saints: Basil the Great; Macrina (July 19) was an exemplar of ascetic life, and exerted strong influence on the life and character of Saint Basil the Great; Gregory, afterwards Bishop of Nyssa (January 10); Peter, Bishop of Sebaste (January 9); and Theosebia, a deaconess (January 10).

Saint Basil spent the first years of his life on an estate belonging to his parents at the River Iris, where he was raised under the supervision of his mother Emilia and grandmother Macrina. They were women of great refinement, who remembered an earlier bishop of Cappadocia, Saint Gregory the Wonderworker (November 17). Basil received his initial education under the supervision of his father, and then he studied under the finest teachers in Caesarea of Cappadocia, and it was here that he made the acquaintance of Saint Gregory the Theologian (January 25 and January 30). Later, Basil transferred to a school at Constantinople, where he listened to eminent orators and philosophers. To complete his education Saint Basil went to Athens, the center of classical enlightenment.

After a four or five year stay at Athens, Basil had mastered all the available disciplines. “He studied everything thoroughly, more than others are wont to study a single subject. He studied each science in its very totality, as though he would study nothing else.” Philosopher, philologist, orator, jurist, naturalist, possessing profound knowledge in astronomy, mathematics and medicine, “he was a ship fully laden with learning, to the extent permitted by human nature.”

At Athens a close friendship developed between Basil the Great and Gregory the Theologian (Nazianzus), which continued throughout their life. In fact, they regarded themselves as one soul in two bodies. Later on, in his eulogy for Basil the Great, Saint Gregory the Theologian speaks with delight about this period: “Various hopes guided us, and indeed inevitably, in learning… Two paths opened up before us: the one to our sacred temples and the teachers therein; the other towards preceptors of disciplines beyond.”

About the year 357, Saint Basil returned to Caesarea, where for a while he devoted himself to rhetoric. But soon, refusing offers from Caesarea’s citizens who wanted to entrust him with the education of their offspring, Saint Basil entered upon the path of ascetic life.

After the death of her husband, Basil’s mother, her eldest daughter Macrina, and several female servants withdrew to the family estate at Iris and there began to lead an ascetic life. Basil was baptized by Dianios, the Bishop of Caesarea, and was tonsured a Reader (On the Holy Spirit, 29). He first read the Holy Scriptures to the people, then explained them.

Later on, “wishing to acquire a guide to the knowledge of truth”, the saint undertook a journey into Egypt, Syria and Palestine, to meet the great Christian ascetics dwelling there. On returning to Cappadocia, he decided to do as they did. He distributed his wealth to the needy, then settled on the opposite side of the river not far from his mother Emilia and sister Macrina, gathering around him monks living a cenobitic life.

By his letters, Basil drew his good friend Gregory the Theologian to the monastery. Saints Basil and Gregory labored in strict abstinence in their dwelling place, which had no roof or fireplace, and the food was very humble. They themselves cleared away the stones, planted and watered the trees, and carried heavy loads. Their hands were constantly calloused from the hard work. For clothing Basil had only a tunic and monastic mantle. He wore a hairshirt, but only at night, so that it would not be obvious.

In their solitude, Saints Basil and Gregory occupied themselves in an intense study of Holy Scripture. They were guided by the writings of the Fathers and commentators of the past, especially the good writings of Origen. From all these works they compiled an anthology called Philokalia. Also at this time, at the request of the monks, Saint Basil wrote down a collection of rules for virtuous life. By his preaching and by his example Saint Basil assisted in the spiritual perfection of Christians in Cappadocia and Pontus; and many indeed turned to him. Monasteries were organized for men and for women, in which places Basil sought to combine the cenobitic (koine bios, or common) lifestyle with that of the solitary hermit.

During the reign of Constantius (337-361) the heretical teachings of Arius were spreading, and the Church summoned both its saints into service. Saint Basil returned to Caesarea. In the year 362 he was ordained deacon by Bishop Meletius of Antioch. In 364 he was ordained to the holy priesthood by Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea.

“But seeing,” as Gregory the Theologian recounts, “that everyone greatly praised and honored Basil for his wisdom and reverence, Eusebius, out of human weakness, gave in to jealousy of him, and began to show animosity towards him.” The monks stood up in defense of Saint Basil. In order to prevent causing discord within the Church, Basil retreated to his own monastery and focused on organizing monasteries.

Upon the rise of Emperor Valens, a staunch supporter of Arianism, a period of turmoil began for Orthodoxy, marking the beginning of a great struggle. Saint Basil quickly returned to Caesarea at the request of Bishop Eusebius. According to Gregory the Theologian, he served as a trusted advisor, a righteous representative, an interpreter of the Word of God, a source of strength for the elderly, a faithful support in internal matters, and an activist in external affairs for Bishop Eusebius.

During this time, church leadership transitioned to Basil, although he remained subordinate to the hierarch. He preached daily, often twice a day, in the morning and evening. It was during this period that Saint Basil composed his Liturgy. He authored a work on the Six Days of Creation (Hexaemeron), a treatise on the Prophet Isaiah in sixteen chapters, a commentary on the Psalms, and a second compilation of monastic rules. Saint Basil also wrote three books Against Eunomius, an Arian teacher who presented Arian doctrine in a philosophical manner, distorting Christian teachings into a logical framework of rational concepts.

Describing Basil the Great’s actions during this time, Saint Gregory the Theologian highlighted “the care for the destitute and the hospitality towards strangers, the oversight of virgins, written and unwritten rules for monks, the arrangement of prayers (Liturgy), the thoughtful placement of altars, and other activities.” Following the death of Eusebius, the Bishop of Caesarea, Saint Basil was chosen as his successor in the year 370. As Bishop of Caesarea, Saint Basil the Great became one of fifty bishops in eleven provinces. Saint Athanasius the Great welcomed the appointment of Basil to Cappadocia, recognizing his reverence, deep knowledge of Scripture, extensive learning, and dedication to the welfare of Church unity.

Under Valens’ rule, Arians held power, with differing views on the divinity of the Son of God, leading to internal division. Saint Basil, in his works Against Eunomius, affirmed the divinity and equality of the Holy Spirit with the Father and the Son. To further clarify Orthodox doctrine on this matter, he wrote his book On the Holy Spirit at the request of Saint Amphilochius, the Bishop of Iconium.

Saint Basil faced numerous challenges, including the division of Cappadocia, a schism in Antioch, and the reluctance of Western bishops to engage in the struggle against the Arians. Despite these difficulties, Basil encouraged the Orthodox faithful, strengthening their faith and urging them to remain steadfast.

The holy bishop corresponded with churches, bishops, clergy, and individuals, tirelessly defending Orthodoxy against the Arian heretics throughout his life. He was likened to a bee, stinging the enemies of the Church while nourishing his flock with the sweetness of his teachings.

When Emperor Valens attempted to intimidate Saint Basil with threats of exile, confiscation of property, and physical harm, Basil remained resolute. He declared that material possessions held no value for him, and exile would not deter his faith. He expressed readiness to endure any suffering for the sake of God, showing unwavering courage in the face of persecution.

Impressed by Saint Basil’s unwavering conviction, the emperor’s official acknowledged defeat, recognizing Basil as a formidable leader of the Church. Despite pressure from the Arians, Valens refrained from exiling Basil, who continued to stand firm in his defense of Orthodox doctrine.

After his repose, Saint Basil the Great continued to work miracles and intercede for the faithful. His legacy of service, humility, and dedication to the Church lives on to this day. He is remembered as a pillar of Orthodoxy, a defender of the faith, and a model of Christian virtue.

As we celebrate the feast day of Saint Basil the Great, let us remember his example of selflessness and devotion to God. Let us strive to emulate his compassion for the poor and his commitment to living a life of holiness. May we seek his intercession in our prayers, that we may be inspired to live lives of faith and service, following in the footsteps of this great saint.

Saint Basil the Great, pray for us.

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