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1910 New Catholic Dictionary

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(Greek: basileios, kingly)

(329-379) Confessor, Doctor of the Church. Bishop of Caesarea, born Caesarea, Cappadocia; died there. His father was Saint Basil the Elder, his grandmother Saint Macrina. He studied at Caesarea, Constantinople, and Athens, where he became acquainted with Julian the Apostate, 335, and Saint Gregory of Nazianzus. He taught at Caesarea. Influenced by his sister Macrina, he founded a monastery in Pontus near Annesi. He introduced the cenobitic form of religious life into the East, and for this reason is known as the Father of Oriental monasticism. In 364 he was ordained priest, and in 370 he succeeded to the See of Cresarea. His episcopacy was distinguished by the many reforms he effected among clergy and laity, and for his fearlessness in defending the Church. He is represented carrying a church in his hand, and giving food to the poor. Feast, Roman Calendar, June 14,.