Memorial Day of the Holy Martyr Basilissa of Nicomedia

Wikipedia has articles about other people named Vasilisa.

Vasilissa

(ancient Greek Βασιλίσσα, † ca. 309) - early Christian martyr.
In Russian Lives before the 18th century, Vasilisa is called Vassa
and
Vasilisa
.

Vasilissa, when she was 9 years old, suffered for the faith of Christ during the great persecution under Diocletian in Nicomedia. Thanks to a denunciation, she was captured and brought to the Nicomedia prefect Alexander. After unsuccessful attempts to persuade Vasilisa to renounce Christ and worship idols, the prefect ordered the young Vasilisa to be tortured. According to the Life, Vasilisa was beaten in the face; then they stripped her naked and hung her upside down by her legs, while she was burned from below with fire and fumigated with sulfur smoke. The young woman was thrown into a burning oven. Vasilisa, having made the sign of the cross, entered the fire, came out of it unharmed. After this, Vasilisa was given to be devoured by two hungry lions, but the girl remained unharmed. Prefect Alexander released Vasilisa after the torment, he himself believed in Christ, spent his life in repentance and died peacefully. After the torture, Vasilisa went outside the city, she said a prayer, standing on a stone. Through the prayer of the young woman, a source of water began to flow from the stone. Vasilisa died peacefully near this stone and was buried by Bishop Anthony. The water from the source gave healing to Christians. Two lives of Vasilisa have been preserved: anonymous and compiled by Nikifor Grigora.

Prayer to Basilissa of Nicomedia

We advise you to familiarize yourself with the prayer to Basilisa of Nicomedia with several options in Russian, with a full description and pictures.

The icon of the Holy Martyr Vasilisa of Nicomedia (Memorial Day established by the Orthodox Church on September 3/16) - the patroness of women named Vasilisa - helps in gaining strength in faith. Icon of St. Basilisa of Nicomedia It helps in almost all cases of life when serious prayer support is required for the person praying.

If Vasilisa’s name is borne by one of your relatives or you, this martyr, a young witness of Christ, will become your heavenly patroness.

Remembrance Day was established by the Orthodox Church on September 3/16.

The martyr Vasilisa of Nicomedia is an amazing example of the fact that martyrdom as a testimony to God was granted not only to adults, but also to children, because at the time of her feat, Vasilisa was only 9 years old.

The example of young Vasilisa, who went through impossible torture and remained unharmed, is evidence of God’s love for those who are ready to neglect their temporary physical life in order to gain eternal life.

The very example of the holy martyr, the awareness of his greatness, is already protection from delusions and doubts. Such feats are not required of us, and perhaps it is precisely this lack of testing that allows the spirit of a believer, as they say, to become discouraged.

Then the prayer to the first martyrs becomes a saving defense against this lukewarm state, which will become even more sincere if we know the history of their feat.

During the reign of the Roman Emperor Diocletian, a huge amount of blood was shed. In a month there were more than 17 thousand killed for faith in Christ and twenty thousand burned in the church on the day of the Nativity of Christ. Believers were killed for a long time. Saint Vasilisa was one of the martyrs who suffered.

At the age of 9, she was brought to trial before the hegemon, that is, the ruler of Nicomedia, Alexander, and Vasilisa confessed Christ very boldly for her age. All those present were surprised by the free conversation with the hegemon. The ruler tried, with the help of affection and various promises, to persuade her to worship his gods. But Vasilisa was adamant.

Then the hegemon began to hit her in the face, for which she thanked the Lord God. They took off her clothes and began to beat her with rods, and this time she thanked God. The emperor became angry at such words and ordered Vasilisa to be beaten even harder.

When the body of the martyr Vasilisa looked like a complete ulcer, she cried out: “God, I thank you for all this!”

Ruler Alexander gave the order to build a fire and throw tin, resin, oil, sulfur into it and hang Vasilisa upside down, in the hope that the martyr would quickly give up the ghost after such stench and smoke. But Vasilisa, even during such torment, was as if in the coolness of heaven, while constantly chanting and thanking the Lord God.

The emperor, seeing Vasilisa's disdain for torture, ordered the martyr to be thrown into a lit oven. Having entered the oven, the holy martyr Vasilisa remained there for a long time without any harm. Those present looked at this miracle in bewilderment.

Vasilisa was taken out of the oven and two angry lions were released, which were supposed to eat Vasilisa, but even here she remained unharmed. Emperor Alexander was shocked by what was happening and exclaimed: “These are the fates of God!” He fell at Vasilisa’s feet and began to ask her for mercy and forgiveness.

He asked the martyr to pray to her God so that he would not destroy him, for he now believes in the Lord God. Vasilisa, having glorified the true God, took Emperor Alexander to Bishop Anthony so that he could teach and explain the true faith.

Alexander was baptized and repented of his previous wickedness and inflicting cruel torment on all Christians. He asked Saint Vasilisa to ask the Lord God for forgiveness.

Thanks to the prayers of the holy martyr Vasilisa, ruler Alexander soon reposed and was buried with Christian honors, not far from the city. Feeling thirsty, Vasilisa stood on a stone and prayed to the Lord God, and water flowed from the stone.

Having quenched her thirst, she moved away from this place, and after praying, she gave her spirit to God. Bishop Anthony buried the great martyr close to the stone where the water flowed.

Prayers before the icon of the Holy Martyr Basilissa of Nicomedia:

Troparion to the Martyr, tone 4

Your Lamb, Jesus, Vasilisa calls with a great voice: I love You, my Bridegroom, and, seeking You, I suffer, and I am crucified, and I am buried in Your Baptism, and I suffer for Your sake, for I reign in You, and I die for You, and I live with You, but as an immaculate sacrifice, accept me, sacrificed to You with love. Through prayers, as the Merciful, save our souls.

Kontakion to the Martyr, Tone 2

Your all-honorable temple, as if you have found spiritual healing, all the faithful cry out loudly to you, the great martyr Vasilisa, pray to Christ God unceasingly for all of us.

We magnify you, passion-bearer of Christ Vasilisa, and honor your honest suffering, which you endured for Christ.

Prayerful invocation of the saint whose name you bear:

Pray to God for me, holy servant of God [name], as I diligently resort to you, a quick helper and prayer book for my soul.

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The ringing of a church bell first rang over Russia in the 10th century. From this moment on, the ringing of bells is continuously connected with the spiritual life of every Orthodox Christian.

The sound of a bell is not only a voice about the beginning of the Divine Service, not only a notification of great Orthodox holidays, but also a reminder of the heavenly world, a call to repentance, repentance and awareness of the real meaning of human existence.

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Orthodox name Vasilisa in the church calendar

The name Vasilisa is quite rare and beautiful. It has been known in Rus' since early Christian times, and is reflected in many folk tales and legends. The name is the feminine form of the name Vasily.

Short forms:

Name variations:

When is Vasilisa’s name day according to the Orthodox calendar?

There are five dates in the church calendar that go like Vasilisa’s angel day. Before baptism, the one closest to the birth of the child is selected, and then the girl is named that way.

January 21 is the day of the martyr Vasilisa of Egypt (abbess). According to legend, together with their husband, Julian, they remained virgins and organized monasteries: female and male. Vasilisa became the abbess of the monastery. She lived during the difficult times of Diocletian's reign. The emperor had a negative attitude towards Christianity, and the saint was beheaded with a sword on his orders.

March 23, April 29 are the days of the martyr Vasilisa of Corinth. She is remembered on the cathedral day of the Corinthian martyrs. The woman, being a follower of Saint Kodrat, voluntarily went to torment for the teacher. All of them were killed after long torture by order of the ruler Decius.

September 16 is the day of remembrance of the youth Vasilisa, the holy martyr of Nicomedia. A nine-year-old girl was captured by the ruler of her hometown and then forced under torture to renounce her true faith. But the holy girl endured all the torment and remained alive thanks to the grace of God. Having seen this miracle, the ruler Alexander who tortured her believed in Christ and repented of his sins.

April 28 is the day of the holy martyr Vasilisa of Rome. The woman was converted to the Christian faith by the Apostle Peter.

Together with another martyr, Anastasia, during the persecution of Christians, she collected the bodies of those killed by the arbitrariness of Nero’s tyranny, and then gave them burial according to Christian rites.

For this, the saint was imprisoned and subjected to terrible torture by fire. Even before her death, the martyr did not renounce Christ, but accepted her with honor.

Origin of the name Vasilisa

Today, many people think that the name Vasilisa has original Russian roots, it is so familiar and known to everyone. In fact, the origin of the name is Greek.

It was known in pre-Christian times, when the Greeks believed in the Olympian gods. Literally translated from ancient Greek, it means “wife of the basileus - the ruler.”

This epithet was also used to call the Greek pagan goddesses - Hera, Persephone.

The meaning of the name Vasilisa

The name became widespread from Greece in the Roman Empire. From there it passed into the Christian tradition, and then “settled” in Rus', becoming a common medieval name among the Eastern Slavs.

The ancient Greek word “vasilissa” has a direct analogue in meaning – the Russian adjective “royal”. This is very true for Vasilisa, because this woman is usually a noble person who knows how to present herself.

It is no coincidence that in Greece this word was used to refer to the wives of kings. Modern Vasilisa is a real first lady. Having met her man, she will be his faithful support and reliable partner for life.

Characteristics of the name Vasilisa

Women bearing this name are people with difficult characters. Perhaps this is precisely how the royalty inherent in this meaning is reflected. They often consider themselves superior to others, acting strictly and aloof.

Little Vasya is a modest child. Her shyness and high level of self-criticism make it difficult to treat herself adequately. Hard work and pedantry help Vasya do well at school.

Often such a child devotes more time to lessons than to communicating with other children. Because of this, it may seem that Lisa is an unsociable girl.

Often she is simply shy, and cannot find a common language with her peers, who are more interested in entertainment than knowledge.

Her strengths are exact sciences and applied crafts. Vasilisa has no equal in needlework. But problems may arise with the humanities: Vasya is accustomed to the precision and clarity of her favorite mathematics and physics.

It is better for parents and surrounding adults to support Vasya’s self-esteem, preventing her from slipping into the abyss of self-digging. Praise and support can best set your child up for achievements.

As for health, little Fox is a strong child who rarely causes problems for her parents with endless colds.

Age-related changes affect Vasilisa not only externally, but also internally. Here it is important for parents to prevent crossing the line from adequate self-esteem to excessive arrogant pride. Women with this name consistently build a career, often in the scientific field.

Those who have Lisa as their supervisor will be unlucky. Her pedantry develops into exactingness: she does not forgive other people’s mistakes, because she herself always strives to do everything perfectly.

Sometimes, with the best of intentions, she can begin to criticize others without asking, which inevitably leads to conflicts.

Due to her difficult character, often the first attempts to build a family life for Lisa end in fiasco. Not every man can withstand a fighting and strict attitude.

It may take many years before a woman finds a partner who will be as strong and strong-willed as she is. With a strong man, their union will be strong, and Vasya herself will treat her husband with tenderness and respect.

She loves children very much, so she strives to have her own. In motherhood, demandingness does not go away, but thanks to her love for her offspring, Vasilisa learns to treat them more gently.

Slowness is observed in relationships with other people. Due to his character traits, of course, Vasya takes a long time to become close to those around him. Only a few can consider a noble soul full of kindness and altruism. Such women have few friends, but all of them are tested by both time and deeds. She is a caring friend who you can always rely on.

As in childhood, Lisa prefers solitary evenings to noisy companies. You shouldn’t try to mold her into an extrovert, because she likes calmness and confidential one-on-one conversations. Due to her internal conservatism, naturally, Vasilisa will take all attempts to remake her with hostility.

The secret of the name Vasilisa

Like any woman, Vasya is fraught with many mysteries. Not everyone can understand how this woman manages to reach the top. She does not give in to difficulties, overcoming every obstacle on the way to her goal with honor.

Composure and self-discipline are the components of her success. Vasilisa rarely gives up when faced with problems. She can only hide for a while, waiting for the right moment and gathering her strength for a victorious breakthrough.

Don't let the coldness and calm deceive you. Vasya has the habits of an explosive choleric person, so conflicts with her are fraught. She can pretend that she has forgiven you, and then, with all her cunning, strike and remember all the grievances. Patience, which so often came in handy for Vasilisa in her work, will come in handy when she plans her revenge plan. It is better to be friends with such people rather than be enemies.

Despite the difficulties in his behavior, Vasya is a selfless person who knows how to both sympathize and help. You can always turn to her in times of adversity, and true friends know about this trait of a woman.

Source: //pravednik.info/pravoslavnoe-imya-vasilisa-v-cerkovnom-kalendare.html

Saints September 16 Vasilisa of Nicomedia, traditions and folk signs

On September 16, the Orthodox Church honors the memory of the young woman Vasilisa (Vasilisa of Nicomedia), who was martyred during the reign of Emperor Diocletian in Rome.

Life of Saint Basilisa of Nicomedia

In ancient times, the cult of paganism was so strong that Christians were exterminated daily and by the thousands. Neither age, nor gender, nor social status of those who refused to make sacrifices to idols mattered.

Saint Vasilisa of Nicomedia became one of the victims of the emperor in Nicomedia, who refused to betray Christ, which amazed the hegemon. The girl openly preached Christianity and was ahead of many adults in her knowledge of its canons.

On September 16 (Day of Vasilisa of Nicomedia) they honor the young woman, whom they first tried to persuade to confess idols with affection and gifts, then they beat her. But the girl was adamant.

Then they began to torture her, beating her with rods until there was not a single intact spot left on her body. In response to this, the girl thanked God, which further angered those who tried to convince her. Then the ruler ordered her to be burned; the martyr took this calmly, crossed herself and entered the oven, remaining unharmed.

This miracle, which is remembered on September 16, horrified those around her, as well as the fact that the wild animals that they tried to set on the girl after the fire left her unharmed did not touch her.

And then the governor fell at the feet of the martyr and began to ask her to pray to the Lord for his sins, for he did not know what he was doing, causing her pain, but now he believes in him.

September 16 is the day of the triumph of faith. Viceroy Alexander was baptized, repented of his sins, and soon reposed.

After his funeral, the holy martyr left the city, stopped at a stone in a field, turned to God with a prayer, and a spring began to bubble up in the stone. Vasilisa of Nicomedia died next to him, where she was buried.

The information about her life path that has reached modern times is quite confusing, but the very fact of her faith and martyrdom in the name of Christ became the reason for canonizing her.

Anthimus of Nicomedia

Also on September 16, Saint Anthimus of Nicomedia is venerated; he was a local bishop. He preached Christianity and thanks to his eloquence, many pagans came to faith.

The persecution of Christians continued, about 20 thousand people were burned in the Church of the Nativity of Christ, and then the bishop was forced to leave the city and hide in the wilderness, from where he supported the believers with letters.

The emperor was not satisfied with such a spread of Christianity and he gave the order to seize Anfim.

The soldiers came to Anfim, who received them, fed them, and meekly agreed to go to the emperor. He so surprised the soldiers with his piety that they felt ashamed to lead an innocent man to execution. And they said that they would return to the city without him, and explain to the authorities that Anfim had not been found.

However, the bishop objected to this by saying that it is impossible to violate the commandments of Christ and to deceive, therefore he will gladly accept death for God. Anfim was subjected to severe torture, beaten, burned with a hot iron, but he continued to praise the Lord. This surprised the tormentors and they associated the fact that Anfim is not afraid of pain with witchcraft.

However, he answered the tormentors that his god was with him, and all the gods and idols of the tormentors would fall, having no power.

Then he was sentenced to death by beheading. On September 16, the day of his death is remembered. According to the old calendar, the execution took place on September 3.

Folk traditions September 16

On this day it was customary to get rid of trash. It was believed that if you throw away accumulated garbage from your home, you can attract good luck for the year ahead. Heavily worn items were supposed to be burned so that everything that had accumulated during their wear would perish. Sheds, cellars, barns were subjected to general cleaning. Baskets were repaired, canvas bags were patched and washed in river water.

They continued to harvest the crops, trying to get the flax in time before the autumn rains began.

The housewives spent the rest of the day sewing and handicrafts.

Young people went out for evening festivities to the accompaniment of accordions and balalaikas.

Folk signs on September 16

• If there was fog in the yard all day, then the end of field work will take place without any problems.

• If it was warm and sunny, then the winter will be difficult.

• If fog appeared during the full moon, then a prolonged downpour was expected in the morning.

• A long winter was foreshadowed by anthills built high up.

• If there was a poor harvest of berries and mushrooms in the forests, then this is a sign of famine next year.

• To prevent evil spirits from disturbing you, you should wash the floors with heather decoction.

• To make next year successful, you should burn potato peelings in the backyard.

• In order for the housewife to keep up with everything, bast shoes were supposed to be hung in the kitchen on this day.

• To avoid being damaged and the evil eye, you should not look in the mirror on September 16th.

Birthday people on September 16 Alexey, Vasily, Vasilisa, Sergey, Ilya, Mikhail, Andrey.

Select another day of remembrance of a saint by date of birth

Source: //astrorok.ru/data-rozhdeniya/svyatyie-16-sentyabrya-vasilisa-nikomidijskaya-tradiczii-narodnyie-primetyi.php

Anthimus of Nicomedia

Also on September 16, Saint Anthimus of Nicomedia is venerated; he was a local bishop. He preached Christianity and thanks to his eloquence, many pagans came to faith. The persecution of Christians continued, about 20 thousand people were burned in the Church of the Nativity of Christ, and then the bishop was forced to leave the city and hide in the wilderness, from where he supported the believers with letters. The emperor was not satisfied with such a spread of Christianity and he gave the order to seize Anfim.

The soldiers came to Anfim, who received them, fed them, and meekly agreed to go to the emperor. He so surprised the soldiers with his piety that they felt ashamed to lead an innocent man to execution. And they said that they would return to the city without him, and explain to the authorities that Anfim had not been found. However, the bishop objected to this by saying that it is impossible to violate the commandments of Christ and to deceive, therefore he will gladly accept death for God. Anfim was subjected to severe torture, beaten, burned with a hot iron, but he continued to praise the Lord. This surprised the tormentors and they associated the fact that Anfim is not afraid of pain with witchcraft. However, he answered the tormentors that his god was with him, and all the gods and idols of the tormentors would fall, having no power.

Then he was sentenced to death by beheading. On September 16, the day of his death is remembered. According to the old calendar, the execution took place on September 3.

Saint Basilisa of Nicomedia

The Holy Martyr Vasilissa was a Christian girl who died at the age of 9. She lived in the 4th century in the city of Nicomedia (now Turkish Izmit) during the reign of Emperor Diocletian, one of the most cruel persecutors of Christians, and suffered for the faith of Christ.

By order of the ruler of Nicomedia, Alexander, Vasilisa was subjected to severe torture for her Christian religion, but she endured it steadfastly, never renouncing Christ.

They tried to burn her in a furnace, but she came out of the fire alive and unharmed. They threw her into a cage with tigers, but the animals did not touch the girl.

Shocked by such miracles, Alexander repented of his atrocities and also believed in Christ. Having lived quite a short time in true repentance and unceasing prayers, Alexander peacefully departed to God, and almost immediately after him Vasilisa died.

They pray to Saint Basilissa of Nicomedia to strengthen the Christian faith, especially among children. She is also the heavenly patroness and God's intercessor of all women who bear her name.

Believers turn to Saint Basilissa of Nicomedia with prayer to strengthen the Christian faith in themselves and in their children.

They also ask Saint Basilissa of Nicomedia, who, despite her young age, was herself wise and educated beyond her years, about the success of children in their studies and mastering any knowledge.

Your Lamb, Jesus, Vasilisa calls with a great voice: I love You, my Bridegroom, and, seeking You, I suffer, and I am crucified, and I am buried in Your Baptism, and I suffer for Your sake, for I reign in You, and I die for You, and I live with You, but as an immaculate sacrifice, accept me, sacrificed to You with love. Through prayers, as the Merciful, save our souls.

Kontakion to the Martyr, Tone 2

Your all-honorable temple, as if you have found spiritual healing, all the faithful cry out loudly to you, the great martyr Vasilisa, pray to Christ God unceasingly for all of us.

Glorification of the martyr

We magnify you, passion-bearer of Christ Vasilisa, and honor your honest suffering, which you endured for Christ.

Folk traditions September 16

On this day it was customary to get rid of trash. It was believed that if you throw away accumulated garbage from your home, you can attract good luck for the year ahead. Heavily worn items were supposed to be burned so that everything that had accumulated during their wear would perish. Sheds, cellars, barns were subjected to general cleaning. Baskets were repaired, canvas bags were patched and washed in river water.

They continued to harvest the crops, trying to get the flax in time before the autumn rains began.

The housewives spent the rest of the day sewing and handicrafts.

Young people went out for evening festivities to the accompaniment of accordions and balalaikas.