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 reproductions, made with prayer and a desire for excellence. Choose from our standard mounted option on Museum Quality Paper or you may choose to upgrade to Museum Quality Matte Canvas. Both offer a rich print with saturated coloration and are finished with our high-grade UV protection sealant offering a subtle tactile texture that gives our icons a truly authentic feel & can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Additionally, each Maple-shelled panel is prepared with a painted chamfered front edge as well as a round-over on the back edge to give a shadow box effect when hung on the wall. Our Icons come standard with a sliding key-hole slot on the back which allows for balanced hanging. These beautiful American-made reproductions will be a beloved addition to any home or parish at the fraction of the cost of a hand painted icon.

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