St. Basil was born in 330 in what is present-day Turkey. His family includes St. Basil the Elder and St. Emmelia, his parents. Basil’s siblings Macrina, Peter, Naucratius and Gregory of Nyssa are all honored as saints.

He favored communal living after spending time in monastic life.

His writings focused on the theology of the Holy Spirit.

Basil is a Doctor of the Catholic Church. His works and actions have been very influential in the formation of the Christian Liturgy.

On St. Basil’s Day, it is tradition to give baked bread with a coin inside.