SAINT BASIL

Description Protector of the poor and needy, Saint Basil, a Father and Teacher of the Orthodox Church grew up in Caesarea of Cappadocia. His parents were wealthy and rich with Christian beliefs. He studied philosophy, rhetoric, grammar, astronomy and medicine and taught the art of rhetoric. He preferred a solitary life as a hermit in Egypt, Palestine, Syria and Mesopotamia. He retired to the Monastery of Pontus as a monk; he was ordained as a deacon and a presbyter and by succession he came to the throne of archpriesthood right after Eusebius in the diocese of Caesarea. He fought against moral decay and reformed monasticism. In addition, he built the famous “Vasiliada”, a complex of charitable institutions, including an almshouse, orphanage, nursing home, providing food and care for thousands of patients of any age, gender and race. He passed away at the age of 50, on January 1, 378 AD, leaving behind the legacy of his spiritual work.

Silkscreen icon with silver frame and wooden casing, locally gilded; the picture is accompanied by a wooden stand.