St. Basil The Great

Basil was born around 329 to St. Basil the Elder and his wife Emmelia. Three children of this saintly couple are venerated as saints: Basil, Macrina, and Gregory. Basil the Great’s father died while he was young and the family moved to the home of his saintly grandmother Macrina the Elder, who continued the boy’s education. Basil became an excellent scholar and a teacher in Caesarea, but also slightly worldly during his advanced studies; his friendship with admirable bishop Dianus of Caesarea and his own saintly sister Macrina drew him closer to God. He founded a monastery in Pontus and after some years there became an assistant to Dianus. Basil was involved in the controversy over Arianism and wrote several treatises against various doctrinal errors then facing the Church. He became bishop of Caesarea in 370 and was known for his help to the poor and his vigorous administration; he built a large complex to give the poor industrial training and care for their medical needs and he bravely opposed erring authorities, including the emperor. He died January 1, 379 and was mourned by Jews, and pagans, as well as by Christians. St. Basil the Great is a Doctor and Father of the Church. His feast day is January 2. He is the patron of hospital administrators.