Saint Basil the Great
Basil the Great (ca. 329–379) was Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia (modern Turkey), a Church Father, theologian, and saint. Born into a wealthy and devout Christian family, Basil’s lineage faced persecution under Diocletian; his grandparents were martyred for their faith. The family dedicated itself to service to God: his uncle and two brothers became bishops, and his sister Macrina became a nun. Basil’s father, committed to preparing him for a spiritual life, sent him for higher education. Basil studied in Caesarea, Constantinople, and Athens, where he attended the Platonic Academy and formed a lifelong friendship with Gregory the Theologian. Gregory later described Basil as a calm and composed man with a slender figure and thick, auburn beard. Among their contemporaries in Athens was the future Emperor Julian the Apostate, who later persecuted Christians.
After his return home, Basil initially engaged in secular pursuits but was baptized in 355 and chose an ascetic life. He traveled to Egyptian monastic communities to study their practices. His extensive writings reflect his deep engagement with asceticism and spiritual discipline. In 360, Basil accompanied Cappadocian bishops to the Synod of Constantinople and later became bishop and metropolitan of Cappadocia.
Basil’s primary challenge was combating Arianism, supported by Emperor Valens. Despite threats of exile and death, Basil resolutely defended the doctrine of the Trinity. He authored three major works on the subject, solidifying his theological contributions. Emperor Valens divided Cappadocia to weaken Basil’s influence. After Valens’ death, Basil prepared for the Second Ecumenical Council, which ultimately condemned Arianism, though Basil did not live to see it. He passed away in 379 and was soon canonized.
Basil is credited with organizing monastic life and charity work, emphasizing that monasticism should extend beyond personal salvation to include the salvation of others through missionary and charitable efforts. His liturgical legacy includes the Liturgy of St. Basil, still celebrated in the Eastern Church. Renowned for his eloquent sermons, Basil’s preaching was vivid and inspired; St. Ephrem the Syrian reportedly witnessed a white dove near Basil during a sermon, symbolizing the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Iconography
Icons of Basil the Great often appear on the royal or deacon’s doors of iconostases. In the 15th–16th centuries, he was depicted in the Deesis composition. While individual icons of Basil exist, the Assembly of the Three Hierarchs—featuring Basil with John Chrysostom and Gregory the Theologian (or Gregory Dialogus in Western tradition)—is most common.
In his episcopal iconography, Basil is portrayed wearing a felonion and omophorion, sometimes with a miter. He holds a Bible in his left hand and blesses or carries a crosier with his right. His distinguishing feature is a long black, occasionally gray or auburn, beard. His symbols include a pillar of fire, representing St. Ephrem’s vision of Basil’s spiritual stature, and a dove, symbolizing the Holy Spirit’s presence.
Mykhailo Skop
Icons of the Three Holy and Great Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Great, and John Chrysostom
