The icon of Basil the Great is one of the assets of Christianity, which is valued in our religion. Who was this saint during his lifetime, what deeds he became famous for and how prayers help St. Basil - this will be discussed in this article.
Facts from the biography
St. Basil the Great, whose icon Orthodox Christians pray, was born around 330 in Caesarea in Cappadocia. He came from a wealthy and pious family that gave a number of saints, including:
- mother of Saint Emily (Emilia or Emmelia);
- the grandmother of St. Makrin the Elder;
- Sister St. Macrina the Younger;
- Saints Gregory of Nyssa and Peter Sebastsky.
It is also widely believed that Saint Theosbius, who was recognized by the Church as a saint, was his younger sister.
As a child, Vasily and his family moved to Pontus. But he soon returned to Cappadocia and was brought up by his grandmother Makrina. Wanting to study, he went to Constantinople and spent four or five years there. He studied in Athens, where he had a friend - the future emperor Julian. Here Vasily made friends with Gregory the Theologian. Both Basil and Gregory were deeply influenced by Origen and compiled an anthology of the unselfish writings of Origen, known as Philokalia.
It was in Athens that he seriously began to think about religion and decided to look for the most famous hermit saints in Syria and Arabia to learn from them how to achieve piety and how to keep his body in the spirit of asceticism.
Basil was appointed presbyter of the Church in Caesarea in 365. In 370, Eusebius, bishop of Caesarea, died, and Basil was elected in his place. Persistent and somewhat domineering, Vasily was also generous and handsome. His zeal for orthodoxy did not blind him; and for the sake of peace and mercy, he could abandon many stereotypes of that time.
He suffered from liver disease, and his excessive asceticism seemed to hasten his early death. An enduring monument to his episcopal care for the poor was the great institute in front of the gates of Caesarea, which was used as a shelter for the poor, a hospital and hospice.
Scriptures of St. Basil
The main theological works of Vasily are:
- The treatise "On the Holy Spirit" (Lat De De Spiritu Sancto), a clear and edifying work, written in 363 or 364. It proves the divine nature of the Holy Spirit.
- Three books of objections to Eunomius Kyzicus. The first three books of Denial are his work; the fourth and fifth books belong to Apollinaria from Laodicea and, probably, to Didim the Blind.
- "Monastic rules", characterized by sanity and lack of formalism.
He was also a famous preacher who conveyed to people the meaning of divine ordinances, deciphering Bible truths.
Holy fathers
When we hear the phrase "Fathers of the Church", there are three names at once:
- Basil the Great.
- Gregory the Theologian.
- John Chrysostom.
Our Holy Orthodox Church annually remembers these holy bishops on a day called the “Feast of the Three Saints”. There is an icon "Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, John Chrysostom."
The contribution made to the creation of the Church by these saints is of great importance. St. Basil was the author of the Divine Liturgy, which is still celebrated ten times a year according to our church calendar. He established rules and regulations for monastic communities and is said to have been the organizer and founder of the first Christian hospital.
St. Gregory the Theologian was a contemporary of St. Basil. Living in an era when the truths and doctrines of Christianity still faced stiff opposition and attacks, St. Gregory gained a reputation as a staunch defender of the faith. His keen perception and deep understanding of the teachings of Holy Orthodoxy earned him the right to be called a theologian.
As his title says, St. John Chrysostom (Golden Mountain) was one of the most eloquent speakers that the Christian Church has ever known.
As the Patriarch of Constantinople, John fearlessly opposed the social and moral problems of the time, often provoking the wrath of the Emperor and his family in this process! He is also a prolific writer; many of the sermons and writings of St. John have been preserved. Many today are just as timely as the day they were written. His form of the Divine Liturgy is still celebrated on most Sundays and holy days in the Orthodox Church. The icon of Basil the Great, John Chrysostom is a shrine that is worshiped by Christians all over the world today.
Vasily's name day celebration
The celebration of the Sinaxia of the three great doctors of the Church, or the “Three Companions,” as they were called, arose in 1100 during the time of Emperor Alexis Comnenus. The great quarrel over which one of these three theologians was recognized as the most important then divided the people of Constantinople. Patriarch John, appointed arbitrator, resorted to fervent prayer to help find a solution. Basil, Gregory and Zlatoust appeared to him in a dream and told him that they are equal before God, and that each of them has his own personality and genius. January 30 is a holiday dedicated to all three saints of the Orthodox Church.
February 12 is also the day when they celebrate the Trinity of Saints - Basil, Gregory and John. All of them made tremendous efforts to develop theological science, interpreted the meaning of the scriptures, and did not allow the church to split. Vasily himself is commemorated on January 2.
Icon Description
The icon of Basil the Great depicts the face of this saint, whom it is customary to turn to hermits, teachers, musicians and other artists for help. The icon helps when a person plans to build a new building. Also, the icon of Basil the Great helps parents if their children are learning poorly. Then problems with study will be solved positively.
In addition, the icon of Basil the Great will help:
- better understand the Christian faith and conquer self-doubt;
- gain peace of mind and enlightenment;
- get help in overcoming diseases and everyday difficulties;
- Be confident in new challenges.
Strong shrine
The icon of St. Basil the Great is one of the most revered. During the baptism of Rus, Prince Vladimir enlisted the support of this particular Saint. The first Christian church in Kievan Rus was erected in his honor. Therefore, for centuries, Christians have bowed in prayer before the face of this particular saint, hoping for his help and protection.
Script Icons
The icon of Basil the Great, whose photo can be found in this article, is an image of the sixteenth century. On the original, the Saint is dressed in a felon of light color, holding the gospel in his left hand. The right hand gesture blesses all believing Christians.
This icon is intended for the altar, the face of the Saint is depicted with a frontal chest plan.
There is also an icon of the eleventh century, where the Holy teacher was portrayed as inclined in prayer. Vasily's hands are holding an open scroll. There are also miniature compositions that depict episodes from the life of a saint.
Many iconographies date from the Middle Ages. This saint was revered by Tsar John the Terrible, during his reign a large number of icons of St. Basil the Great.
There is an image in which the saint holds Jesus in his arms. This work is considered symbolic for the sacrament procedure.
Features of the appeal to the icon
Depending on what kind of help a believer needs, you can contact the face of St. Basil:
- for blessing in charity;
- for the successful completion of land cultivation and a generous harvest;
- so that the difficult situation ends successfully, and the disaster leaves home;
- for the protection of diseases, so that good luck accompanies in life, for the support of those in need and suffering.
Almost 230 churches in honor of St. Basil were built around the world. To read a prayer, it is sometimes allowed to use not the icon itself, but its photo image.
Tombstone
What does Basil the Third have to do with the icon of Basil the Great? This shrine is the oldest shrine in comparison with other images. It became a grave shrine during the burial of Prince Vasily the Third. It is stored among other icons in the tombstone iconostasis. Location - the royal tomb, the Archangel Cathedral, the Kremlin.
The icon was immediately located above the tomb of Basil the Third. Researchers note that the face on the icon has a lot in common with the image of the emperor himself. The work dates back to the sixteenth century.
Prayer to St. Basil
O great in hierarch, universes of the teacher the god-wise, blessed Father Basil! You have performed your deeds and labors, even if you glorified the holy Church: you are a solid confessor, and you were the lamp of the faith of Christ on earth, illuminate the faithful light of God, inflame false teachings, and proclaim the word of saving truth to the whole world. Now, the dictate in heaven, having boldness to the Holy Trinity, help us, with the humility that falls upon you, firmly and invariably keep the holy Orthodox faith until the end of our life, save us from unbelief, doubt and hesitation in the faith, but let us not be deceived and harmful exercises by words. The holy spirit of jealousy, even with it you have burned, O glorious Shepherd of the Church of Christ, kindly be your shepherd and in us, even Christ, make them shepherds, but we will earnestly enlighten and affirm in the right faith the verbal flock of Christ. Ask, O merciful saint, from the Father of lights and all, every gift is beneficial for everyone: good growth in the style of God, a young chastity, old and weak strengthening, mourning comfort, unnerving healing, correction of error, offended defenses, orphans and widows , tempted gracious help, departed from this temporary life, father and our brethren blessed repose. To her, holier of God, graciously contemplate humble from the abode of the mountains for us, many temptations and misfortunes overwhelmed us, and from the earth of the adherents bring to the heights of heaven. Teach us, blessed father, your archpastoral and holy blessing, and with it overshadowed, in this new summer and at all other times, our belly in the world, repentance and obedience to the Holy Orthodox Church will live, the commandments of Christ are earnestly creative, by the feat of good faith you are working, and We will reach the kingdom of heaven, coming with you and all the saints to the Holy Trinity, the One-Essential and the Undivided, of petition and glory forever and ever. Amen.
The prayer is long but effective. It is better to read it in front of the icon of Basil the Great.
To summarize
Saint Basil was born in an unusual family. His parents brought up the best human values in the child, at the same time instilling a love for the Creator. In addition to Vasily, the sanctuary received his mother, grandmother, brothers and sisters.
Vasily’s personality is worthy of respect. He preached an ascetic lifestyle and himself adhered to such traditions until the end of his days. Having reached great heights in the dignity, this man remained humble, peaceful and friendly.
St. Basil in tandem with John Chrysostom and Gregory the Theologian contributed to the strengthening of Christianity. These people were both powerful preachers and authors of works on religious subjects. Christians revere this trinity of the Holy Fathers and created an icon with their joint image.
The icon of St. Basil is prayed when it is necessary to find a way out of a difficult situation. Also, parents of negligent students ask for help in teaching children. The icon helps builders and landowners, teachers and students. In confirmation of the power of influence of this Saint around the world, more than two hundred churches of St. Basil the Great were established.
This Saint was revered by the Russian Tsar John the Terrible. Therefore, during his reign, many new icons appeared depicting the face of this saint. During the reign of Vasily the Third, respect for this Saint was also noted. After the burial of this ruler, the icon of Basil the Great became a grave shrine, which is now stored in the Kremlin, next to the relics of Basil the Third.