WHO IS SAINT BASIL?

St. Basil the Great is the principal patron and model for The Congregation of St. Basil (Basilian Fathers).

St. Basil was born about 329 A.D. in Caesarea. The second of ten children, Basil was nourished by an outstanding Christian home life. His grandmother, St. Macrina the elder; his parents, Basil and Emmelia; two brothers, Gregory of Nyssa and Peter of Sebaste; and a sister, Macrina the younger, are all acclaimed saints. The family brought Basil and his siblings up with a remarkable example of concern for the poor, hospitality to strangers, and purity of soul. Although wealthy in the world’s goods, they voluntarily let an austere life.

According to the custom of the time, Basil was enrolled as a catechumen as a youth. His decision to be baptized in 356 marked a definite commitment to a life dedicated to Christ.

Bishop Eusebius ordained Basil a priest in 364. About 368 there was a famine in Cappadocia and the city was filled with hopeless, hungry refugees. Basil organized relief supplies of all sorts, including the food that kept many alive.