January 2
Basil the Great (329–379)
Bishop
Practical advice
In a spirit of service, try to reconcile two people without increasing the conflict, doing everything for the love of God.
Biography
Basil was born in Caesarea of Cappadocia and studied in Constantinople and Athens, where he stood out for both learning and virtue. His travels through Syria, Palestine, Mesopotamia, Pontus, and Egypt helped him understand religious life. He became a great organizer of Eastern monasticism through his famous Rules. Later, as Bishop of Caesarea, he distinguished himself by his social concern, numerous writings, powerful preaching, and holiness, which Christians, Jews, and pagans alike respected. He spoke forcefully against those who enthroned money as a god while forgetting people in need. Even before his death, he was already known as Basil the Great.