On this day [January 1] we commemorate our Holy Father Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia.
Verses
Basil lives and dies in the Lord.
He lives also with us as speaking from his books.
Basil died on the first of January.
Our Holy Father Basil flourished during the reign of Emperor Valens (364-378), and presented himself before Valens for his Orthodox faith and rebuked him, for Valens fell into the cacodoxies of the Arians, and in a wild and beastly manner he maltreated and fought against the Orthodox Churches. From his father he was from the area of the Black Sea, and from his mother he was a Cappadocian, and lived in what is called Karaman. In esteem and education, he excelled, not only in the notables of his time, but even in the ancient philosophers. He passed through all forms of education, and became authoritative and prevailing in their acquisition. Not only this, but he also actively practiced philosophy. And by this activity he was elevated to the vision of the nature of created things. Therefore, he was also elevated to the throne of the Hierarchy.
