Orthodox faithful celebrate Monday St. Basil the Great.

Bishop of Caesarea, and one of the most distinguished Doctors of the Church. Born in Caesarea in Cappadocia probably 329. He ranks after Athanasius as a defender of the Oriental Church against the heresies of the fourth century. With his friend Gregory of Nazianus and his brother Gregory of Nyssa, he makes up the trio known as “The Three Cappadocians”, far outclassing the other two in practical genius and actual achievement. He went to school in Constantinople, at that time “distinguished for its teachers of philosophy and rhetoric”, and thence to Athens. Died on January 14, 379.