Description

Feast Day/Commemorated: January 1

Saint Basil the Great, born in 330 AD in Caesarea, Cappadocia, hailed from an eminent and devout Christian family, with many members, including his parents and siblings, later recognized as saints. He received a superb education, studying in Caesarea, Constantinople, and Athens, where he mastered philosophy, rhetoric, and various sciences. During his studies in Athens, he formed a lifelong, profound friendship with Saint Gregory the Theologian. Around 357 AD, Basil returned to Caesarea and, rejecting a secular career, embraced an ascetic life. He was baptized, became a reader, and after traveling to learn from great Christian ascetics in Egypt, Syria, and Palestine, he founded a monastic community near his family's estate, inviting Gregory to join him in a life of strict discipline, intense scriptural study, and manual labor.

Rise to Episcopacy and Defense of Orthodoxy

The spread of Arian heresy prompted Saint Basil's return to active church service. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Meletius of Antioch in 362 and then a priest by Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea in 364. Despite initial friction with Eusebius, Basil became his indispensable advisor, effectively governing the church in Caesarea. During this period, he composed his Liturgy, wrote extensively, including his renowned "Hexaemeron" and treatises "Against Eunomius," fiercely defending the divinity of the Holy Spirit. Upon Eusebius's death in 370, Saint Basil was chosen as the Bishop of Caesarea. His appointment was celebrated by Saint Athanasius the Great, recognizing Basil's profound knowledge, piety, and efforts for Church unity, especially crucial during the reign of the Arian emperor Valens.

Final Years and Enduring Legacy

As bishop, Saint Basil faced immense challenges, particularly from the Arian emperor Valens, who sought to impose Arianism throughout the provinces. Basil famously stood firm against imperial threats, demonstrating unwavering faith and courage, which left even the intimidating prefect Modestus and Emperor Valens himself awestruck. He tirelessly upheld Orthodox doctrine, confirmed believers, and wrote numerous letters, acting as an untiring champion against heresy. Beyond theology, he was deeply committed to social welfare, building poor-houses and homes for the homeless throughout his diocese, using his personal wealth for the destitute. Despite chronic illness and the immense burdens of his office, Saint Basil died on January 1, 379, at the age of 49. His memory is immediately celebrated by the Church, his legacy as a "revealer of heavenly mysteries" enduring through his profound writings and his exemplary life.

About Our Icons (Print and Mounted):

Theophany Works Icons are handcrafted Orthodox Christian icon reproductions made in the United States with prayer and a desire for excellence. Each of our icons are printed on museum-quality matte canvas, providing a rich print with saturated coloration that lends to a beautiful handwritten-icon appearance.

All Theophany Works Icons are mounted on beveled wooden boards and finished with a high-quality UV protection sealant. This offers a subtle authentic-feeling texture while also enhancing durability, allowing for cleaning with a damp cloth. Additionally, each icon is given a maple-shelled keyhole slot on its back for easy and balanced hanging.

Our beautiful icon reproductions are lovingly made in our Lancaster, Pennsylvania studio. We pray they are a blessing to all who receive them, and we believe they will be a beloved addition to any home or parish—each at a fraction of the cost of a hand-painted icon.

***Our Beloved Brothers & Sisters in Christ: Please allow 3 weeks for production as each icon is made to order. If an icon is needed sooner for a baptism, chrismation, wedding, or name day, please contact us—we will always do our very best to accommodate your request.

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