BASIL, surnamed THE GREAT, and called St. 13.. one of the most eminent and elo quent of the Greek fathers, was b. about 329 at Caesarea, in Cappadocia; studied under the heathen philosophers'at Athens, and became an advocate in his native city, but afterwards founded a monastic society: was ordained a presbyter in 362; and succeeded Eusebius as bishop of Cmsarea in 370, in which office he continued till his death in 379. lie resolutely resisted invitations to the court of Julian the Apostate, with whom he had contracted an intimacy as a fellow-student at Athens, and displayed great constancy when the emperor Valens began to persecute him, on account of his opposition to Arianism. He was engaged in most of the controversies of his time, but conducted con troversy in a peaceful and generous manner. His rules of monastic life are still fol lowed in the Greek and other oriental churches, in which lie is highly honored as one of the greatest of saints. In the Roman Catholic church, also, they are followed in a. few
convents, styled of the order of Basilians. The influence of B. was greatly felt in the promotion of monasticism throughout the west as well as the east, and to him is ascribed the introduction of the three universal monastic vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty. The best editions of his works arc that of the Benedictines (3 vols. Par. 1721-80, fol.), and that of the brothers Gaume (3 vols., Par. 1835-40, 8vo); but the authenticity of many of the moral and ascetic pieces is doubtful. Ills anniversary is celebrated, in the Greek church, on the 1st of Jan.—the day of his death; in the Latin church, on the 14th of June—the day of his ordination.