Icon of Saint Basil the Great
People pray before this icon for strength in faith, wisdom, help in study and faithfulness in their responsibilities. Saint Basil was Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, one of the great teachers of the Church, and the author of the Divine Liturgy celebrated in his name.
The life of Saint Basil the Great
Saint Basil was born around 330 in Caesarea in Cappadocia into a devout Christian family. He received an excellent education but chose a life of service to the Church and monastic discipline.
As a priest and later Archbishop of Caesarea, he defended the Orthodox faith, cared for the poor and sick, and established a large charitable complex offering assistance and medical care.
He left theological writings, rules for monastic life and the Divine Liturgy bearing his name, celebrated on particular days of the Church year. He died in 379 and is commemorated on January 14.