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Modern Coptic-inspired portrait of Saint Basil the Great

4th century

St Basil the Great

Βασίλειος ὁ Μέγας

A Cappadocian bishop who joined doctrine, asceticism, and charity.

Datesc. 330–379 RegionCappadocia Primary languageGreek Feast6 Tobi · January 1

Life and significance

Doctrine made visible in worship and mercy

Basil received a broad education, embraced the ascetic life, and was ordained bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia. He defended the Church’s confession of the Trinity against Arian pressure and wrote with precision about the divinity of the Holy Spirit.

His pastoral work joined theology to practical mercy. He organized care for the poor, travelers, and the sick, shaped communal monastic life, preached on Scripture, and left a eucharistic liturgy received throughout the Orthodox world.

Biography source: The Departure of St. Basil the Great, Bishop of Caesarea · Coptic Synaxarium