January 1st is a day of great significance in Greek culture and the Eastern Orthodox Church - it’s Saint Basil’s Day. This holiday is to honor the memory of Saint Basil the Great, a bishop notable for his charitable actions towards those less fortunate.
The day features a host of practices, traditions, and celebrations that underscore the values of charity and goodwill. In addition to its religious importance, it coincides with New Year’s Day in Greece and various Orthodox influenced societies.
History of Saint Basil's Day
The Feast of Saint Basil, also referred to as Saint Basil’s Day, is an annual celebration that takes place on the first day of the year, commemorating the life and works of Saint Basil the Great. A figure of the fourth century, Basil was originally from Greece and served as a respected bishop, leaving behind a legacy of compassion and devotion towards the underprivileged.
Originating from Caesarea of Cappadocia in today’s Turkey, Basil was born into a devout and affluent family. He grew up immersed in both Christian doctrine and Greek philosophy. As an adult, he dedicated his life to theological work and the spreading of Christian teachings, with his renowned preaching skills.
Among his most significant works was the founding of the “Basiliad”, a grand charitable institution that functioned as a refuge for the poor, sick, and elderly. Basil’s unwavering commitment to charity didn’t go unnoticed, earning him the honorific title “the Great” and inspiring various Christian customs, including the tradition of Father Christmas.
Following his death in 379 AD, Basil was declared a saint by the Christian church. His sainthood is recognized across Eastern and Oriental Orthodox, Anglican, and Roman Catholic Churches.
Saint Basil’s Day is celebrated differently across various cultures. In Greece and Cyprus, this observance coincides with New Year’s Day with a tradition known as “Vasilopita”. A coin is hidden within a cake, and the person who finds the coin in their portion of the cake is predicted to enjoy a year filled with good fortune. Notably, the cake is initially symbolically sliced for Christ, the Virgin Mary, the poor, before being shared with the family.
In Russia, the renowned Saint Basil’s Cathedral, aptly named after the saint and a predominant symbol of the country, stands in Moscow’s Red Square and is a testament to his lasting legacy.
In essence, Saint Basil is remembered for his coupling of profound theological teachings with acts of profound generosity. He is celebrated as a symbol of love and generosity and revered for his tireless efforts towards the welfare of the underprivileged.
Saint Basil's Day Timeline
Birth of Saint Basil
Basil of Caesarea, also known as Saint Basil the Great was born in Caesarea (modern-day Turkey).
Saint Basil Travels for Education
Basil traveled to Constantinople and Athens for education.
Monastic Life
After his brother's death, Basil decided to abandon his legal and teaching career and he dedicated his property to the church and the poor.
Ordained as a Priest
Basil was ordained a priest by Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea.
Becomes Bishop of Caesarea
Following the death of Eusebius, Basil was chosen as his successor and became the Bishop of Caesarea
Assisted the Victims of Famine
A famine in Cappadocia led Basil to create a complex called the Basiliad that included a soup kitchen, hospital, and hospice.
Death of Saint Basil
Basil died in Caesarea. His theology and writings have had a lasting impact on the Christian church.
Ideas to Celebrate Saint Basil's Day
Bake a Vasilopita
The special cake named Vasilopita is the traditional Greek sweet treat baked to commemorate Saint Basil's Day. A coin is secretively baked inside the cake, and as per the tradition, the lucky person to discover it in their slice is declared as the blessed one for the forthcoming year.
Host a Feast
Celebrations of Saint Basil's Day can become more joyful with a grand feast. Organize a delightful dinner party at home and invite your loved ones over. The menu should predominantly include traditional Greek cuisine.
Donate to the Poor
Saint Basil was admired for his compassionate nature and his benevolence for those in need. In order to honor him, this day can be utilized to donate to local charities or volunteer to help at local shelters or food banks.
Educational Session About Saint Basil
Setting up an informative session at home or your local community center discussing Saint Basil's journey, his contributions to the Christianity, and the significance of this day can be quite enlightening.
Attend a Church Service
A thoughtful way to pay respects to Saint Basil’s work, specifically for those following Greek Orthodox faith, can be to attend a special service dedicated to him on this day.
Watch a Parade or Festival
Community celebrations like parades and festivals are common on Saint Basil's Day. Participating in such occasions can offer a glimpse into the rich culture and traditions of Greece.
6 Interesting Facts About Saint Basil
Reputed for Eloquence
Saint Basil, known as Basil the Great, was highly acclaimed for his eloquent speech and writings. His theological discourses, letters, and speeches significantly influenced his contemporaries and are still greatly esteemed.
Credited With Monastic Rule
The Monastic Rule, attributed to Saint Basil, was a profound influence in the East Christian traditions. Referred to as the Rule of Saint Basil, it stressed the importance of community living, work done by hand, and liturgical worship.
Feast Day on January 1
The tradition in Western Christianity marks the Feast of Saint Basil on the first day of the year. However, the Eastern Orthodox Church commemorates him both on 1st and 30th January, also remembering him on June 14 together with Saint Gregory the Nazianzen.
Champion of the Poor
Not just his theological contributions, but Saint Basil's dedication to the downtrodden and the destitute has also been significantly admired. He initiated the development of 'the Basiliad', an enormous complex on Caesarea's outskirts, intended for the welfare and aid of the poor, ailing, and other underprivileged sections of society.
Holiday Pastry Tradition
On New Year’s Day, also St. Basil’s feast day, a unique custom observed in Greece involves baking 'Vasilopita', a special bread, with a concealed coin. The person finding the coin in their share is believed to be blessed with good fortune for the year.
Doctor of the Church
Esteemed by the Roman Catholic Church, Saint Basil, under mentorship of Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, and along with Saint John Chrysostom, are referred to as the 'Three Holy Hierarchs' or 'Three Great Hierarchs'. This status aside, Saint Basil is also honoured as being a 'Doctor of the Church'.
Saint Basil's Day FAQs
Next Saint Basil's Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | January 1st | Sunday |
| 2024 | January 1st | Monday |
| 2025 | January 1st | Wednesday |
| 2026 | January 1st | Thursday |
| 2027 | January 1st | Friday |
| What is the pattern? | Every January 1st | |
Saint Basil's Day Word Search
- Orthodox
- Christianity
- Bishop
- Faith
- Tradition
- Basilica