“Saint Basil’s Day is celebrated on New Year’s Day.” Agios Vasilios is not just a church. He is also Greece’s equivalent to Santa Claus.
Agios Vasilios was born in Pontus in 330. His family had a long history of Christianity. His maternal grandfather was even executed for his faith.
Basil left Athens after six years. He traveled to study monasticism. He visited Palestine, Egypt, Mesopotamia, and Syria. Basil then returned to Caesarea. Here, he taught law and rhetoric. His life changed when he met Eustathius of Sebaste. Eustathius was a bishop and ascetic. This encounter led Basil to abandon his career. He turned to God.
Saint Basil and his brother founded a monastery. It was near Annesi on their family’s estate. His widowed mother joined them. His sister Macrina also joined. The members devoted themselves to prayer and charity. Basil wrote about monastic life at the monastery. These writings became a guide for the Eastern Church.
In 362 A.D. Saint Basil became a deacon. Bishop Meletius of Antioch ordained him. Soon after, Eusebius summoned him to Caesarea. He became a presbyter of the church. Basil fought the Arian heresy. It threatened to divide Cappadocia’s Christians. He engaged in public debates with theologians.
Eventually, Basil became the Bishop of Caesarea. He devoted his life to the poor and suffering. Basil was generous. He gave away his family inheritance. He also organized a soup kitchen during a famine.
Orthodox Christians celebrate Agios Vasilios’ feast day on New Year’s Day. It is said he died on January 1. His legacy continues today. People honor him by giving to charities. Families set an extra place for him at their New Year’s meal. They hope he will visit and bring gifts.