Saint Basil of Cappadocia
Saint Basil of Cappadocia, also known as Basil the Great, was a significant early Christian bishop born into a wealthy family in the 4th century CE. He received an extensive education in prominent cities such as Caesarea Mazaca, Constantinople, and Athens, where he developed a lifelong friendship with Gregory of Nazianzus. Initially practicing law and teaching rhetoric, Basil experienced a transformative journey into monastic life, leading him to renounce his wealth and establish a monastery in Pontus, emphasizing a philosophy rooted in his appreciation for nature.
In 365 CE, he became a presbyter in Caesarea Mazaca and was later appointed bishop of the region in 370 CE. Basil was a key figure in countering Arianism, defending the doctrine of the Trinity alongside Gregory of Nazianzus and Gregory of Nyssa. His notable contributions to philanthropy included founding a hospital for lepers, which is considered one of the first in the Christian Church. Among his influential writings, the "Hexaëmeron" stands out, impacting prominent figures like Saint Ambrose and Saint Jerome. Basil’s advocacy for the poor earned him the reverential title of "the great" in his time.
On this Page
Saint Basil of Cappadocia
Related civilization: Imperial Rome
Major role/position: Religious figure
Life
Basil of Cappadocia (BAZ-uhl of ka-puh-DOH-shuh) was born into a wealthy and spiritually minded family. His received the best education available at the time, in Caesarea Mazaca, Constantinople, and Athens. At Caesarea Mazaca, he met his lifetime friend, Gregory of Nazianzus, whose work complemented his own. After completing his education, Basil practiced law and taught rhetoric. However, after a trip to study monastic life, especially that of Saint Pachomius of Egypt, he gave up his law practice, gave his wealth to the poor, and established a monastery in Pontus, a province north of Cappadocia. Basil’s love of nature formed the basis of his spiritual meditations and became his philosophy of life.
In 365 c.e., Basil was called back to Caesarea Mazaca as a presbyter and, in 370 c.e., became bishop of Caesarea and archbishop of Cappadocia. With his friend Gregory of Nazianzus and his brother Gregory of Nyssa, Basil took a major role in defending the deity of Christ against Arianism. He later undertook benevolence work, including the founding of a hospital for lepers, perhaps the first in the Christian Church.
Influence
The best known of Basil’s writings is his Hexaëmeron (fourth century c.e.; The Treatise on the Holy Spirit, the Nine Homilies on the Hexameron, and the Letters, 1895), a book of homilies that influenced such leaders as Saint Ambrose and Saint Jerome. His defense of the poor, especially from fiscal claims by civil authorities, won Basil the title of “the great” during his lifetime.
Bibliography
Meredith, Anthony. The Cappadocians. Crestwood, N.Y.: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press, 1995.
Pelikan, Jaroslav. Christianity and Classic Culture. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1993.