Born in Turkey around 330 Saint Basil came from a wealthy Christian family with a legacy of devotion to their faith. His grandfather was a martyr in the years before Constantine and all four of his siblings became Saints. 

Basil was elected Bishop of Caesarea in 370, and monks of the eastern church today still follow his monastic rules. 

He was a powerful force in the fight against Arianism and a strong supporter of the Nicene Creed. 

Saint Gregory was born in 339 in Cappadocia, a friend of Basil’s, and, like him, followed the monastic way for many years. 

In 381 he became Bishop of Constantinople. It was during this period when the Arian heresy was at its height. He longed for a life of prayer and contemplation but his writing and speaking skills constantly drew him into a more visible role. In fact, his skills earned him the nickname, “The Theologian”. 

Sts. Basil The Great and Gregory Nanzianzen, please pray for us.