Quotes by Basil the Great

Basil the Great, also known as Saint Basil of Caesarea, was a 4th-century Christian bishop and theologian who played a pivotal role in shaping early Christian doctrine and monasticism. Born around 330 AD in Caesarea, in the region of Cappadocia (modern-day Turkey), Basil came from a devout Christian family that included several saints, such as his sister Macrina the Younger and his brother Gregory of Nyssa.

After receiving an exceptional education in Athens—where he studied alongside Gregory of Nazianzus—Basil chose a life of religious devotion. He eventually became the bishop of Caesarea in 370 AD and used his position to defend the Nicene Creed against Arianism, a doctrine that denied the divinity of Christ. Basil was a prolific writer whose theological works and letters significantly influenced Christian thought.

His "Hexaemeron" (a series of homilies on the six days of creation) and his guidance on communal monastic living laid the foundation for Eastern monasticism. Known for his deep spirituality, pastoral care, and commitment to social justice, Basil also established hospitals, soup kitchens, and hostels for the poor, demonstrating a holistic approach to Christian charity. He died on January 1, 379 AD, and is remembered as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs in Eastern Orthodoxy and a Doctor of the Church in Roman Catholicism.