January 14 is the day of remembrance of St. Basil the Great

Basil the Great
(c. 330 - 379), bishop of Caesarea of ​​Cappadocia, saint. Together with his brother St. Gregory of Nyssa and his friend St. Gregory the Theologian, was a representative of the Cappadocian school of Orthodox theology, which occupied a middle, conciliatory position between the Antiochian and Alexandrian schools. Commemoration January 1, January 19 (Greek - Remembrance of the miracle of the opening of church doors through the prayer of St. Basil the Great in Nicaea), in the Cathedral of the Three Saints and together with his holy family (on the Sunday of Epiphany) (Greek)

Born around 330 [1] in the settlement of Annes or Anis [2]. His father, Vasily, and mother Emilia belonged to the noble families of Cappadocia and Pontus and gave their many children the best education.

In the 18th year of St. Basil went to Constantinople, where he listened to the then famous sophist Livanius, and then spent several years in Athens, then the center of higher philosophical education; there he became friends with Gregory of Nazianzus, who lived for the same purpose in Athens, and also met the future emperor Julian.

Returning to Caesarea (c. 357), Basil received St. baptism and was ordained as a reader, after which, imbued with the ascetic ideal, he wanted to become better acquainted with the then flourishing monasticism and went to Egypt through Syria and Palestine. Here Christian life made a dual impression on him: he was amazed at the extraordinary exploits of St. hermits - and at the same time deeply upset by the divisions and unrest that prevailed in the Church, on the occasion of the Arian heresy and various schisms.

Upon returning to his homeland, Basil the Great actively began to establish monasticism, founded several monasteries in the Pontic region and wrote rules for them.

Ordained a deacon in 362 and a presbyter in 364, Basil the Great took a very influential part in church affairs and successfully opposed the Arians, who gained predominance under Emperor Valens and wanted to take possession of the Caesarea church. At the same time, Basil the Great began organizing Christian charity, founded many shelters for the poor (ptochotrophy) and, in any case, fearlessly stood up for the oppressed and persecuted. All this, combined with an impeccable ascetic lifestyle, gained Vasily enormous popularity.

Elected in 370 to the archbishop of his hometown, Caesarea of ​​Cappadocia, Basil the Great also took up general church affairs;
through ambassadors and letters he entered into active relations with St. Athanasius of Alexandria, as well as with Pope Damasus, trying to more closely unite the forces of Orthodoxy to defeat Arianism and pacify the church. At the same time, Vasily had to experience enmity from two sides: he was hated by both the Arians, as a direct enemy, and excessive zealots of orthodoxy, who found that he was too compliant and not firm in his conciliatory efforts, although, at the same time, many reproached him for his pride, dryness and arrogance. In 371, Basil the Great, on the occasion of a church festival, preached a great sermon of theological content. Not wanting to immediately alienate those semi-Arians who were ready to recognize the deity of the Son of God, but did not dare to assign the same dignity to the Holy Spirit, the Saint, speaking about the third Person of the Holy Trinity, never directly called him God. The rumor about this caused great indignation in various places. Basil the Great himself, as well as St. Gregory of Nazianzus, who tried to defend his friend, began to be accused not only of cowardice, but also of outright apostasy. However, the greatest theological authority at that time, St. Athanasius the Great, Archbishop of Alexandria (who died soon after), managed to testify in writing in the most respectful words to the impeccable Orthodoxy of Basil the Great and the correctness of his course of action.

The Arians followed him everywhere. St. Basil was threatened with ruin, exile, torture and death. He said: “Death is a blessing for me. It will sooner lead me to God, for whom I live and work.”

In 372, the Caesarea saint had to weather a new storm. Emperor Valens decided to impose Arianism on the Church of Caesarea and crush its archbishop. For this purpose, he first sent the prefect Evippius with another of his courtiers, and then he himself appeared. St. Basil excommunicated the heretical nobles from the church, and allowed Valens himself into the temple only to bring gifts. The emperor did not dare to carry out his threats and left without doing anything.

St. Basil, who destroyed his health with ascetic deeds and already from the age of forty called himself an old man in his letters, died on January 1, 379 [3], 49 years old.

Life of Basil the Great

Saint Basil was from Cappadocia, a region in Asia Minor. He was born in 330 in the city of Caesarea and was the eldest son in a large family. Vasily’s parents were believers, so they gave their son a Christian upbringing, but they were also rich, thanks to which Vasily, like his brothers, including the famous Gregory of Nyssa, received an excellent secular education. As a fourteen-year-old teenager, he was orphaned. His father, a famous lawyer, suddenly died, and Saint Basil was left in the care of his grandmother Macrina. Saint Basil lived with her in the suburbs of Caesarea until her death. Macrina was not only a witness to the persecution of Christians by Emperor Diocletian, she retained memories of Saint Gregory of Neocaesarea, the Wonderworker, about whom she told Saint Basil a lot.

At the age of 17, to improve his knowledge, Saint Basil moved first to Caesarea, then to Constantinople, and later to the center of enlightenment of the then world - the city of Athens. Here he studied at one of the Athens schools with his friend Gregory the Theologian, whom he met in Caesarea. Saint Basil the Great easily mastered the sciences and constantly improved in them. He was distinguished by his deep knowledge not only in the natural sciences (mathematics, science and medicine), but also in rhetoric, philosophy, and spoke several languages. As Gregory the Theologian writes about Basil the Great, “it was easier to get out of the labyrinth than to argue with it.”

At the age of about twenty in 357, he returned to Caesarea and became a lawyer. In the same year, Saint Basil was baptized by the Bishop of Caesarea, Dianius. He becomes a reader in church and after some time leaves the practice of law to go on a journey that lasts two years. Saint Basil visited several monastic monasteries in Egypt, Syria and Palestine, where he observed famous ascetics of piety. He would later use his experience as the basis for his own monastic charter, which to this day remains authoritative for the entire Christian world.

Returning from his journey, Saint Basil distributed his part of his father's inheritance to the poor. And since his property was significant, he also managed to build hospitals and asylums. After which he retired to the Iris River. Soon here, together with like-minded people, Saint Basil created an ascetic, monastic community. In his “conceptual solitude,” Saint Basil wrote a lot, including the creation of a number of theological works. Based on the texts of the New Testament, he compiles a collection of rules for moral life.

Very soon, Basil the Great began to become involved in the dogmatic disputes that troubled the region and the Eastern Church as a whole. And when in 362 the noble city dweller Eusebius, far from church problems, ascended to the episcopal see, Saint Basil the Great was invited and ordained presbyter by him. For a long time, Saint Basil the Great has been involved in administrative and ecclesiastical issues of the diocese and preaches.

In 370, after the death of Bishop Eusebius, Saint Basil the Great headed the see and remained as bishop for ten years until his death in 379. He showed himself to be firm and principled, restrained and strict in observing the canons. Always cares about the good of the Church.

Basil the Great, a theologian and philosopher, devoted a lot of effort and attention to liturgical creativity. Probably no bishop wrote more letters than Basil the Great. His conversations and correspondence have survived to this day. We owe St. Basil the current text of the Creed. He wrote a treatise on the Holy Spirit. Saint Basil the Great dedicated a number of works to the interpretation of Holy Scripture, however, only the Sixth Day and commentaries on some psalms have survived to this day. Basil the Great wrote the charter of the monastic community and created instructions for believers who want to succeed in Christian piety. During his lifetime, for his ascetic life, he was nicknamed the Great by the people.

Saint Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea (Cappadocia)

Kontakion 1

Chosen servant of the Heavenly King and great saint of the Church of Christ, shining through the confession of the right faith throughout the world, having great boldness towards the Holy Trinity, protect us from all troubles, who cry out to you with tenderness:

Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.

Ikos 1

The Creator of angels, who from eternity chose you, most blessed Father Basil, to be a great lamp for His Church, manifested you in an angel-like way of life: for by your greatness in the thought of God and in the wilderness, having labored in the wilderness, you have ascended to the heights of virtue. Moreover, you who have gained great glory in heaven, receive from us humble ones, to praise you who dare, these words of praise:

Rejoice, Vasily, namesake of the kingdom; Rejoice, great hierarch of Christ.

Rejoice, unshakable pillar of the Church; Rejoice, most honorable branch of the holy race.

Rejoice, having served the Heavenly King with all diligence from your youth; Rejoice, having enriched your mind with all earthly wisdom, and especially with heavenly wisdom.

Rejoice, thou who together with thy friend Gregory the Theologian prospered in wisdom; Rejoice, you who converted your teacher Evbulus to Christ with wise words.

Rejoice, guardian of purity and chastity; Rejoice, faithful guide to salvation.

Rejoice, destroyer of soul-destroying heresies; Rejoice, God-wise teacher of the universe.

Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.

Kontakion 2

Seeing the Church of Christ overwhelmed by Arian evil-doing, and obeying God’s calling, you came, O Reverend Father, from the desert that you loved, to the city of Caesarea, where you received the grace of the priesthood and you were appointed archbishop, preaching the word of salvation to all the ends of the earth, faithful and teaching God, the Creator of all, all day long, to sing worthily: Alleluia.

Ikos 2

Enlightening the minds of the faithful with the knowledge of God, Saint Basil of Christ, you explained the nature of beings, and you taught His hand to recognize the invisible God in creation. Likewise, we, enlightened by your godly teachings, cry out to you:

Rejoice, having created all things in six days by the knowledge of God, illuminating the faithful; Rejoice, you who teach His wondrous deeds are worthy of praise.

Rejoice, adorned chamber of wisdom; Rejoice, abundant treasury of theology.

Rejoice, for you taught us to see the secrets of the wisdom of God throughout the world; Rejoice, for you have taught us to see the greatness of God in small things.

Rejoice, you who paint the beauty of the primordial light; Rejoice, you who have shown the firm power of the first word of God in the universe.

Rejoice, having depicted the speedy destruction of earthly glory with the former grass; Rejoice, the Sun of Christ's Truth shining in the heavenly splendor, shining forth.

Rejoice, thou who by diligence of little creatures has turned people away from laziness; Rejoice, O man, king of creatures, who reigns over passions.

Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.

Kontakion 3

We are strengthened by the power of the Most High, Holy Father Basil, you resisted the apostate Julian, and you begged the Lord and His Most Pure Mother to destroy his evil intentions against Christians, so that everyone might sing gratefully to the One God: Alleluia.

Ikos 3

Have great zeal for God the Almighty and take the sword of His word in your hand; you quickly cut off the tares of the pagan wickedness of Julian, but you established the faithful in piety; Teach us, Reverend Father, to serve God alone with a pure life, calling to you:

Rejoice, proud Julian, who courageously denounced his apostasy; Rejoice, destroyer of his Christ-hating undertakings.

Rejoice, having struck him down with tearful prayer like a spear; Rejoice, foretold of his imminent death.

Rejoice, people of God, like Moses of old Israel, freed from idolatry; Rejoice, destroyer of the tares of wickedness.

Rejoice, thou who abundantly satisfy the faithful with the food of the words of God; Rejoice, you who have filled your heart with streams of grace.

Rejoice, you who firmly hold the tablets of Christ’s commandments; Rejoice, having established the teaching of your mouth through your life.

Rejoice, good and faithful servant; Rejoice, zealous worker of Christ's heirloom.

Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.

Kontakion 4

The storm of rage of King Walens, possessed by Arian evil-doing, you, Holy One of God, by the power of the Spirit living in you, you calmed, and you gave peace to the Church of the Saints, with your holy works and warm prayers to God, you sang to Him, rejoicing: Alleluia.

Ikos 4

Hearing the evil Walens, how you, the hierarch of God, stand in truth, and all the faithful obey your voice, the desire to turn you away from the right faith; For this reason, he sent his eparch Modest to you, and then he himself came to Caesarea. But you, God-bearing father, were not afraid of the king’s anger, nor the reprimands of his formidable commander; We, glorifying your firm confession, cry out to you:

Rejoice, unshakable champion of the right faith; Rejoice, shepherd, ready to lay down your soul for the faithful.

Rejoice, you who showed Peter’s firm confession; Rejoice, you who have revealed your zeal for the glory of the Holy Trinity.

Rejoice, you who calmed the wrath of the wicked king with the divine service of the priesthood; Rejoice, you who blocked the mouth of the evil commander with godly words.

Rejoice, for you were not afraid of punishment by exile and torment; Rejoice, for you also desired to accept death for Christ.

Rejoice, you who endured persecution for your faith; Rejoice, you who through many sorrows entered into the joy of the Lord.

Rejoice, you who fearlessly spoke the truth of Christ before kings and rulers; Rejoice, you who have shown yourself to be a faithful servant of the Heavenly King by your firm confession.

Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.

Kontakion 5

Thou hast appeared, the God-bearing star, Saint Basil of Christ, with the bright rays of mercy, illuminating the dark night of sorrows, driving away the darkness of troubles, and showing everyone, sailing in the stormy sea of ​​life, the right path to the Kingdom of Heaven, and all rejoicingly sing to the saving God: Alleluia.

Ikos 5

Having seen all of you, O saint of God, as a loving father, I earnestly seek help from you in adversity and sorrow; You have had mercy on everyone, thereby showing the image of the true faith in yourself. Be, most kind father, a quick helper to us, overwhelmed by sins and sorrows, crying out with love to you:

Rejoice, lamp of love, shining forth from Christ; Rejoice, imitating the Heavenly Father in mercy.

Rejoice, rich treasure for those who have nothing; Rejoice, faithful refuge in need.

Rejoice, smooth ones, like Joseph of old, nourished; Rejoice, thou who founded many monasteries for the homeless and wretched in Caesarea.

Rejoice, you who wounded the lepers with your own hands, like a good Samaritan who healed; Rejoice, you healed your persecutor Modest, who was ill, and delivered him from the people’s execution.

Rejoice, you who protected the poor widow from the eparch’s insult; Rejoice, having asked a sinful wife for forgiveness of sins from God.

Rejoice, Father, comfort to the orphans and the afflicted; Rejoice, admonition and correction for those who perish in their sins.

Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.

Kontakion 6

You appeared as a preacher to the whole world of the truth of Christ, Saint Father Basil, by the power of your gracious word, like the edge of a sword, piercing the sinful hearts and arousing them to repentance, so that everyone with a pure heart could sing to the Trinity of Saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 6

You have shone in the firmament of the Church, like a great luminous luminary, Father Basil, enlightening all under heaven with the understanding of the true faith, and driving away the darkness of sinful passions, from which you free us too, calling to you:

Rejoice, faithful servant of the Holy Trinity; Rejoice, God-illuminated explainer of the mysteries of faith.

Rejoice, for you preached with great voice the Son of One Essence and the Spirit with the Throne to the Father; Rejoice, for you have explained the truth about the Eternal Light, which shone from the Eternal Light, to the faithful.

Rejoice, Lord Savior, for you have confessed God incarnate and the Creator of all ages; Rejoice, you who showed the mystery of two natures and one Hypostasis in Christ the Bose.

Rejoice, by the power of your royal word, open the commanded granary to the rich; Rejoice, you who have turned away the teachings of many from the selfishness of the unrighteous.

Rejoice, you who strike down soul-destroying drunkenness with words like thunder; Rejoice, destroyer of hard-heartedness and envy from hearts.

Rejoice, zealous teacher of abstinence; Rejoice, never-ceasing preacher of repentance.

Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.

Kontakion 7

Although you have protected the faithful from the Arian congregations, you, holy Basil of God, have adorned everything in the church, and you have wisely composed the touching rite of the Divine Liturgy, and you have poured out many prayers, like fragrant myrrh, from your fire-inspired lips, in the image of forgiveness for your sins and for your departed brothers We ask, and we glorify the Most Holy Trinity, singing: Alleluia.

Ikos 7

The new Aaron was faithful in vain in you, Holy Father Basil, when you most divinely performed the Bloodless Sacrifice, giving the gift of the Holy Spirit, like a luminous robe adorned with precious stones. Now, in the altar on high, intercede for the Church, remember also us, who tenderly call to you:

Rejoice, bishop of God, who, like Aaron, received the grace of the priesthood in abundance; Rejoice, you who have gained great boldness in prayer for people.

Rejoice, wise builder of the mysteries of God; Rejoice, decorator of the church rite.

Rejoice, the service of the Liturgy is from Christ Himself, as James the Apostle was taught; Rejoice, prayer book, illuminated by the Spirit of God.

Rejoice, illuminated in service by heavenly light, like none you have seen; Rejoice, Angels, as if you were surrounded by some bright men.

Rejoice, for through your first prayer we are preparing for ourselves to receive the Mysteries of Christ; Rejoice, for through your words on the evening of Pentecost we send kneeling petitions.

Rejoice, glory and adornment of the Caesarea throne; Rejoice, for as a priest you have given from God grace-filled strengthening in service to the whole Church.

Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.

Kontakion 8

A strange and glorious vision was revealed about you, Saint Basil, to the Venerable Ephraim the Syrian: once God showed you to him, like a pillar of fire, reaching the heights of heaven, and then, having come to Caesarea, the venerable one saw you with a fiery tongue, teaching people and tenderly crying out to God: Alleluia .

Ikos 8

You were all aflame with the heavenly light of seraphim love, God-bearing Vasily; for your words are like lightning, scorching heresies, but enlightening the souls of the faithful with the flame of faith and love; Grant then, Father, through your prayer, to have even a small spark of your love, calling to the sips:

Rejoice, fiery pillar of heresies; Rejoice, kindle the fire of true faith and unfeigned love.

Rejoice, firm denouncer of the lies of the Aryan heresies; Rejoice, fiery zealot of the truths of Christ.

Rejoice, for you have put to shame the proud Eunomius, the Son of God, who blasphemed; Rejoice, for you have overcome the Macedonian blasphemy of the Holy Spirit.

Rejoice, destroyer of the superstitious wisdom of Nestorius; Rejoice, zealous protector of the honor of the Most Holy Mother of God.

Rejoice, shepherd, illuminated by the heavenly radiance of love; Rejoice, teacher of faith, lightning prophet of words.

Rejoice, God-planted olive tree, who has produced many saints of the Church; Rejoice, vine, who has grown up the God-wise champions of Orthodoxy.

Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.

Kontakion 9

The entire heretical congregation cannot resist the power of grace that dwells in you, holy father; For a certain young man, having fallen into the power of Satan, by the power of your prayer you took him away from the snares of the enemy, but having repented to Christ, you returned him, gratefully singing to the Savior God: Alleluia.

Ikos 9

By your divinely inspired oracle, Saint Basil, having overcome and having seen the glorious miracle that happened on the young man, many from the heretic joined the Church as one, and you were also worthy to be faithful and obedient children, calling to you:

Rejoice, all the ends of the earth illuminated by heavenly teaching; Rejoice, conquering the dark forces of hell by the grace of Christ.

Rejoice, you freed young man from the snares of Satan; Rejoice, having filled him with the Body and Blood of Christ.

Rejoice, for you did not let your soul, redeemed by the Blood of Christ, perish; Rejoice, for having fallen into disastrous sin, you begged the young man to forgive Christ.

Rejoice, for you surprised people with a glorious miracle; Rejoice, for by your conversion you have brought joy to the erring Angels.

Rejoice, ask the Lord to teach us the angels to protect us; Rejoice, bring the Guardian Angel closer to us through your prayer.

Rejoice, liberator from the slander of the enemy; Rejoice, quick protector in temptation.

Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.

Kontakion 10

Although the Creator saves His verbal creation, showing you a steadfast protector of the faithful, Father Basil, and a guardian of His Church, may the light of Orthodoxy be revealed by you to the whole world, and all the faithful, grateful to the Trinity of Saints, sing: Alleluia.

Ikos 10

You are the wall of the Church, and you have appeared as a strong fence of the faithful, O great Basil in all the hierarchs, when in the city of Niceistem you opened the church gates with the power of your prayer and you have thus revealed the truth of the right faith, but you have stopped the mouths of those who blaspheme the name of Christ. For us, who profess the Lord the Savior Orthodoxy, open, Father, the doors of God’s mercy, through your intercession, so that we call to you:

Rejoice, earthly angel, guardian of the Church of Christ; Rejoice, God's chosen protector of the faithful.

Rejoice, church gates, like Elijah of old, who opened the sky with prayer; Rejoice, holy temple, admired by heretics and returned to the faithful.

Rejoice, protecting the faithful from heresies; Rejoice, having preserved the Church of Christ undamaged from false teachings.

Rejoice, great name of Christ in heaven and magnifying miracles on earth; Rejoice, you who have established Orthodoxy in the universe.

Rejoice, for through you the pride of the wicked has been laid low; Rejoice, for through you you have lifted up the humility of the faithful.

Rejoice, for through you the holy faith is glorified; Rejoice, for through you the Church of Christ admirably adorns itself.

Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.

Kontakion 11

Singing befittingly ascends to you from heaven, and not from earth, O wonderful Basil, for you were the manifestation of heaven on earth, you raised the minds of the faithful to heaven with your godly teachings, and now from heaven you mercifully look down on us and give us all abundant grace from The Bountiful Christ God, Whom the Angels in heaven will take out to eat: Alleluia.

Ikos 11

A luminous lamp, all shining with many gifts of God and virtues, you were, holy Vasily of God, enlighten us too, teach us in virtue and guide those who call you to the Kingdom of Heaven:

Rejoice, everlasting radiance and bright adornment to the Church of Christ; Rejoice, for you have given Christians forever and ever the true affirmation of faith.

Rejoice, you have perfected the talents God has given you; Rejoice, you have gathered from earthly wisdom all that is useful for salvation.

Rejoice, thou who bestowed miraculous healing on the Tsar’s son for the glory of orthodoxy; Rejoice, the chaste life of Anastasia the presbyter and his wife, who received his sight.

Rejoice, forgiving meekly those who offend you; Rejoice, having overcome the slander against you with humility and patience.

Rejoice, you who established the rules of perfect living for the monk; Rejoice, you have gathered many monks in the monasteries.

Rejoice, you who left rules and canons and saving teachings as the heritage of the Church; Rejoice, by your God-wise writings you have given a valuable treasure for the edification of Christians.

Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.

Kontakion 12

The great grace given to you by Christ God, Saint Father Basil, is not only to bring those who have gone astray to repentance, but also to convert many unfaithful people to Christ; When you were already mortally ill, approaching your blessed death, you, a Jewish doctor, with your wife and children, enlightened you with Holy Baptism and together with them you sang a song of gratitude to the Trinity of Saints: Alleluia.

Ikos 12

All the faithful sing great praises to you, O great hierarch Vasily, great, because you labored on earth until the end of your life for the glory of orthodoxy, you entered the Heavenly Holy of Holies, and as a faithful servant of God, you appeared before the Trinity of Saints, where you also prayed for us, O most kind father, by the faith of your children, who call you with love:

Rejoice, royal priesthood, most praiseworthy Vasily; Rejoice, Holy Trinity, adorned village.

Rejoice, thou who glorified the Heavenly King with the miraculous deeds; Rejoice, having not abandoned your zeal for the glory of faith and in mortal illness.

Rejoice, for the sake of conversion you have asked God for a miraculous extension of your life; Rejoice, having risen from your deathbed with your own hands, enlightening him through Baptism.

Rejoice, having conquered the power of evil through your labors and wisdom; Rejoice, thou who hast sought victory from the faithful tsar against his enemies.

Rejoice, one of a kind apostle in his labors; Rejoice, with Saints Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom, at your command, you who are glorified alone.

Rejoice, radiant with the incorruption of your relics and crowned with glory in heaven; Rejoice, warm and great intercessor, given to us by God.

Rejoice, Vasily, great hierarch, universal lamp of Orthodoxy.

Kontakion 13

O most holy and great hierarch of Christ, Basil, the luminary of Orthodoxy and the guardian of the faithful! Look down from heaven on this praise brought by you, and with your prayers protect us from passions and troubles, in the right faith and grant us the Kingdom of Heaven, so that together with you and all the saints of the Trinity of Saints we sing forever and ever: Alleluia.

This kontakion is read three times, then the 1st ikos “Creator of Angels...” and the 1st kontakion “Chosen of the Heavenly King...”.

Prayer 1

O great one in the hierarchy, God-wise teacher of the universe, blessed Father Basil! Great are your deeds and labors, which you have accomplished for the glory of the Holy Church: you have been a strong confessor and a lamp of the faith of Christ on earth, illuminating the faithful with the light of God, scorching false teachings and proclaiming the word of saving truth to the whole world. Now, having great boldness in Heaven towards the Holy Trinity, help us, who bow to you with humility, to firmly and invariably preserve the holy Orthodox faith until the end of our lives, and guard against lack of faith, doubt and hesitation in faith, so that we will not be seduced by those who are contrary to God and soul-destroying teachings in words. The spirit of holy zeal, with which you blazed, O glorious shepherd of the Church of Christ, kindle with your intercession also in us, whom Christ has appointed to be shepherds, so that we may diligently enlighten and confirm in the right faith the verbal flock of Christ. Pray to the Lord that our country may exalt itself and grant all our people health, longevity and good haste in everything. Ask, O merciful saint, from the Father of lights and everyone, every gift that is useful to everyone: growth for the infant in the Passion of God, chastity for the young, strengthening for the old and weak, consolation for the grieving, healing for the sick, admonition and correction for the erring, intercession for the offended, protection for orphans and widows. , to those who are tempted, grace-filled help, to those who have departed from this temporary life, blessed repose for our father and brothers. To her, Holy One of God, look mercifully from the abodes on high upon us, the humble, overwhelmed by many temptations and misfortunes, and lead those who are devoted to the earth to the heights of Heaven. Grant us, most good Father, your archpastoral and holy blessing, so that in this new summer and at all other times of our lives we will live in peace, repentance and obedience to the Holy Orthodox Church, diligently doing the commandments of Christ, fighting the good fight of faith, and Thus we will achieve the Kingdom of Heaven, where with you and all the saints we vouchsafe the Holy Trinity, Consubstantial and Indivisible, to sing and glorify forever and ever. Amen.

Prayer 2

O great and most holy Father Basil, glorious teacher of the Ecumenical Church, all-zealous champion of the glory of the Most Holy Trinity, the Mother of God and Her most immaculate virginity, the chosen confessor, the most luminous image of purity, humility and patience. Since I am a great sinner and unworthy to look up to the heights of heaven, I humbly pray to you, O wise teacher of the Church of Christ, teach me to lead my life in such a God-fearing way, so that I will never take a path that is contrary to God’s command, deviate or be seduced. Protect and deliver me through your powerful intercession from the temptations of the world and the snares of the devil, just as you delivered from them the young man who retreated from our Sweetest Savior and fell into the power of Satan. Grant me the spiritual strength to diligently be an imitator of your lofty virtues; Make me right in my faith, firm and unshakable, strengthen me, who is faint-hearted, in patience and trust in the Lord, kindle in my heart the true love of Christ, so that I desire heavenly blessings more than all others and enjoy them. Ask me from the Lord for sincere contrition for my sins, so that I will spend the rest of my life in peace, repentance and fulfillment of the commandments of Christ. When the hour of my death draws near, you, O blessed Father, with the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, then hasten to help, protect me from the evil slander of the enemy, and make me worthy of the heir to be the villages of paradise, and together with you and all the saints of God’s impregnable Majesty the Throne I will stand before the Life-Giving, Consubstantial and Indivisible Trinity, I glorify and sing, ever and ever. Amen.

Prayer 3

O great and glorious saint of Christ, God-wise teacher of the whole universal Church, steadfast confessor and champion of Orthodoxy, all-blessed Father Basil! Look down from the heights of heaven upon us, who humbly fall before you, and beg the Lord Almighty, whose faithful servant you were on earth, to grant us firm and unchangeable preservation of the right faith, obedience to the Church of the Saints, correction of our lives, and in all needs, sorrows and when they are tempted, there is immediate help, patience and strength. Grant us your holy blessing, so that as we enter this new summer and all our days, we may live in peace and repentance pleasing to God, and in the Kingdom of Heaven we will be worthy, together with you and with all the saints, to sing and glorify the Life-Giving Trinity, the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, forever centuries. Amen.

The meaning of the name Vasily

The name Vasily came to Russia from Byzantium, where it was very popular. This is evidenced by the large number of ascetics with the name Vasily, canonized as saints back in the Middle Ages. Among them is the Father of the Church, Saint Basil the Great. In total, the Church remembers saints named Basil ninety-six times a year. Among them there are many new martyrs.

The name Basil comes from the Greek adjective “βασίλειος”, meaning “royal”, “royal”. For several centuries, the name Vasily was the second most popular name in Russia after the name Ivan. The name Vasily can be called princely, not only because of its semantic meaning, but also because it was worn by many princes from the Rurik family. This was started by Prince Vladimir, who himself was baptized with the name Vasily. Since the 14th century, the name Vasily has strengthened its significance, becoming a grand duke. Among the princes of the Grand Duchy of Moscow one can recall Vasily I and Vasily II. In any case, the name Vasily was adopted by all classes. So the most famous Moscow holy fool - St. Basil the Blessed - was a peasant by birth.

Interest in the name Vasily in Russia began to decline only at the beginning of the 20th century, when it first moved from the leading position in popularity to the top five, and then to the top ten most common names. By the 60s of the 20th century, the name Vasily acquired the image of a village name. Therefore, they began to call children even less often by the name Vasily.

But if in Russia interest in the name Vasily can be described as wave-like, then in Greece it has not decreased for many centuries. Saint Basil the Great remains one of the most revered and beloved saints of Greece. Remaining an example of a good shepherd, caring for the disadvantaged, sick and orphans, sensitive to the troubles of others and protecting his community, he became the prototype of the Greek Father Frost. It is from Saint Basil that children in Greece receive gifts on New Year's Day.

Holy relics

Among believing Orthodox people, Basil the Great is revered on a par with Nicholas the Wonderworker.

Upon the death of the saint, his body was buried in a tomb, next to the remains of his predecessors in the Caesarea See. His tomb became a place of worship for both Christians and Muslims, who revered him as a sheikh.

Important! Many temples and chapels in Cappadocia were consecrated in honor of his name.

The venerable head of Saint Basil rests on Mount Athos in the Great Lavra. His stole is kept in the monastery of St. Basil in Constantinople. The ascetic’s hand is kept in the Church of St. George the Greek in Venice, and part of his hand is placed in Greece in the Great Meteora Monastery.

The right hand (right hand) rests in Jerusalem in the altar of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ.

Hand of Basil the Great

Liturgy of Basil the Great. What makes it special?

Ten times a year the order of the liturgy changes, and a special service is served, which is called the Liturgy of Basil the Great.

It is celebrated on the day of remembrance of St. Basil - January 14 according to the new style (January 1 according to the old style), as well as on the first, second, third, fourth and fifth Sunday of Great Lent, on Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday. Depending on what day of the week the celebration of the Nativity of Christ and the Epiphany of the Lord falls on, the Liturgy of Basil the Great is served either on the day of the holiday itself, or on the eve of the eve (Christmas Eve) of the holiday.

Usually, the first thing believers pay attention to is that the liturgy of Basil the Great is longer than the liturgy of John Chrysostom that is familiar to us. The chants sung at the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great seem to be longer. This happens because the prayers that the priest secretly says in the altar become longer, primarily the Eucharistic prayer. The choir, with its drawn-out performance, seems to fill the pauses in the service. And of course, the absence of the prayer “It is worthy to eat...” does not go unnoticed, instead of which one performs “He rejoices in You...”. Twice during the service believers hear the name of St. Basil the Great: during the proskomedia and on vacation.

Prayers

Troparion, tone 1.

Thy message went out into the whole earth, / because you received your word, / which you most gloriously taught, / you understood the nature of beings, / you adorned human customs, / the royal holy Praying to the Reverend Father, / pray to Christ God / to save our souls.

Kontakion, tone 4

You have appeared as an unshakable foundation for the Church,/ giving everyone unstealthy dominion by man,/ sealing with your commands,/ the unappearing Reverend Basil.

Biography

Basil the Great

(Greek: Μέγας Βασίλειος, c. 330-379), also known as
Basil of Caesarea
(Βασίλειος Καισαρείας), is a saint, archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia, church writer and theologian. One of the three Cappadocian Church Fathers, along with Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory the Theologian. He is credited with the invention of the iconostasis and the composition of the Liturgy of Basil the Great. Author of the fifth and sixth prayers of the morning rule (mandatory for Orthodox Christians), numerous sermons and letters (at least three hundred have survived). A staunch supporter of Kinovia.

Miracles and good deeds

The life of Basil the Great is surrounded by legends. Orthodox believe that the man witnessed and performed several miracles. One day, a woman who was being oppressed by her boss turned to the saint. But the offender responded rudely to the letter written by Vasily. Then the great saint prophesied to him that he himself would soon be saved from the wrath of his superiors. And indeed, after a while the chief fell into disgrace with the king.

Good deeds of Basil the Great

During the Persian War, Vasily selflessly prayed before the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, at whose feet was depicted the Great Martyr Mercury, a warrior with a spear. The man asked the saints to prevent Julian the Apostate from returning alive from the war. Suddenly Mercury disappeared, and when he appeared, blood was dripping from his spear. Later, messengers brought the news that Julian had been seriously wounded in the war.

Basil had an unusual gift: during the liturgy, the golden dove hanging over the holy altar shook three times, testifying to the appearance of the Holy Spirit. But one day the bird did not give a sign, and Vasily thought about it and realized that the reason was the deacon, who dared to look in the direction of a beautiful woman during the service.

Golden Dove of Basil the Great

The priest put the deacon on strict penance, and ordered a partition to be built in front of the altar so that women could not look at him during the service. Since then, the dove has not ceased to announce the descent of the Holy Spirit.

Another legend says that Vasily managed to avoid exile by divine providence. On the day of the Epiphany of the Lord, King Valens appeared in the church where he served. Seeing the beauty of the decoration and order in the temple, he was so delighted that he was imbued with affection for the holy saint.

However, having gone home, Vasily’s enemies persuaded the ruler to expel the fighter against the Arians. During the signing of the corresponding decree, the chair under Valens swayed and the cane used to sign the signature broke. After the third cane cracked, the emperor became frightened and destroyed the sentence.

Basil the Great and the dove

Vasily gained fame as a kind man, ready to help those in need, even if he himself faced punishment. There is a well-known story about the rescue of the young and rich widow Vestiana, whom the eparch Eusebius tried to forcefully marry to a dignitary. The girl did not want to lose her widow’s purity and rushed to Vasily with pleas for help.

The bishop managed to send the poor man to a nunnery, when Eusebius’s messengers immediately arrived demanding the handing over of the rebellious fugitive. Then Vasily was caught in adultery and the bedchamber was searched. The angry eparch promised to send the saint to great torment. Having learned that they wanted to punish Vasily, the people rushed to the palace of Eusebius with weapons. As a result, the saint returned to his own monastery alive and unharmed.

Death

By the time the opportunity arose to take advantage of political changes in the state, the ascetic lifestyle had completely exhausted Vasily’s body. The man died on the first day of 379, having served in the temple for 8.5 years.

Relics of Basil the Great

According to legend, before his death, Basil the Great first baptized a Jewish novice, then addressed his disciples and flock with edifying words not to leave the church until 9 o’clock yesterday. He prayed to God, giving praise for such a rich and righteous life, and gave up his ghost. Representatives of different faiths were seen at the funeral - Christians, Jews, and even pagans. Vasily was canonized soon after his death.

The power of the teacher's image

The icon of Basil the Great helps in teaching, since he himself was an example in the study of various sciences. The saint was always firm, calm and decisive when pressure from the ruling structure began against the Christian faith. Therefore, people often turn to the image to get rid of fears and doubts.

More prayers for success in studies:

• Prayer to Sergius of Radonezh for studies
• Prayer to Matrona of Moscow before the exam
• Prayer to Nicholas the Wonderworker for help in studying

The Teacher always insisted that by showing colossal love, a person creates harmony in the environment and allows everyone to experience spiritual joy.

• People turn to the liqa to ask for success in charitable activities.
• Icons of St. Basil the Great are capable of giving strength to solve difficult creative problems.
• The image is worshiped with the intention of successfully building a home, successfully moving to a new place, or opening one’s own enterprise.
• The icon has long been the patron of agricultural work. People pray for strength, as well as for the protection of crops and a rich harvest.
• The face is capable of averting trouble from people who find themselves in difficult everyday situations. The image is worshiped in order to protect itself from persecution, temptation, envy and slander.
• The icon relieves many diseases. She is prayed to to bring good luck to the side of those in need and those who require great compassion.

On a note! About 227 churches of Basil the Great are known, located in different parts of the world. The largest number are located in the Yaroslavl, Vologda and Tver regions.