Basil of Caesarea

Basil of Caesarea was one of the most influential figures in the early Christian church. He was born into a wealthy and pious family, and received a classical education in rhetoric, philosophy, and law. He became interested in the ascetic life after visiting the monasteries of Egypt, and founded his own monastic community in Pontus. He was ordained as a priest in 362, and became the bishop of Caesarea in 370. He was a staunch opponent of the Arian heresy, which denied the divinity of Christ, and defended the Nicene Creed at various councils and synods. He also wrote extensively on various theological topics, such as the Holy Spirit, the Trinity, and the Incarnation. He is regarded as one of the Cappadocian Fathers, along with his brother Gregory of Nyssa and his friend Gregory of Nazianzus. He is also known for his contributions to monasticism, canon law, and liturgy. He established a rule of life for monks, which became the basis for Eastern Orthodox monasticism. He also compiled a collection of canons, or ecclesiastical laws, that regulated the discipline and administration of the church. He also composed a liturgy, or order of worship, that is still used by some Eastern churches on certain feast days. He was a man of charity and social justice, who founded a complex of hospitals, orphanages, and schools for the poor and the sick in Caesarea. He died on January 1, 379, and was soon venerated as a saint by both the Eastern and Western churches. He is considered one of the Doctors of the Church, and his feast day is celebrated on January 1 in the East and January 2 in the West.