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Greek Name Days

4th century

Saint Basil the Great

Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia and one of the Three Holy Hierarchs.

1 January

Biography

Basil the Great (c. 330–379) was archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia. With his brother Gregory of Nyssa and his friend Gregory the Theologian he is counted among the Cappadocian Fathers.

He is remembered for his theological and ascetic writings and for the charitable complex he founded at Caesarea, the “Basiliad”, which included a hostel and a hospital. The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil bears his name.

In Greek tradition his feast coincides with New Year's Day and the cutting of the vasilopita. He is also honoured on 30 January together with the other two Holy Hierarchs.

Sources and further reading