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74-562: The first part of Fetha Negest deals with mostly ecclesiastic affairs, outlining the structure of the Church hierarchy, sacraments, and such matters. It was compiled from the Bible, writings of early Church fathers including St. Basil and St. Hippolytus , and various canons adopted at the Council of Nicaea , the Council of Antioch , and others. The second part, concerning issues pertaining to

148-597: A Doctor of the Church in the Roman Catholic Church . He is sometimes referred to by the epithet Ouranophantor (Greek: Οὐρανοφάντωρ ), "revealer of heavenly mysteries". Basil was born into the wealthy Cappadocian Greek family of Basil the Elder , and Emmelia of Caesarea , in Cappadocia , around 330. He was one of ten children, and his parents were known for their piety. His maternal grandfather

222-470: A soup kitchen and distributed food to the poor during a famine following a drought. His letters show that he actively worked to reform thieves and prostitutes. They also show him encouraging his clergy not to be tempted by wealth or the comparatively easy life of a priest, and that he personally took care in selecting worthy candidates for holy orders . He also had the courage to criticize public officials who failed in their duty of administering justice. At

296-473: A Trinitarian debate. Basil recognizes that no human is "a slave by nature". This principle countered Aristotle 's conviction and was consistent with Gregory of Nyssa view and with that of many other patristic thinkers; even Augustine and Theodoret conceded this. Basil, indeed, viewed slavery as a result of the Fall, a principle that was shared by Augustine, Theodoret, and many other Fathers. Sometimes slavery

370-617: A bishop." Modestus reported back to Valens that he believed nothing short of violence would avail against Basil. Valens was apparently unwilling to engage in violence. He did however issue orders banishing Basil repeatedly, none of which succeeded. Valens came himself to attend when Basil celebrated the Divine Liturgy on the Feast of the Theophany (Epiphany), and at that time was so impressed by Basil that he donated to him some land for

444-474: A charismatic bishop and ascetic. Abandoning his legal and teaching career, Basil devoted his life to God. In a letter he described his spiritual awakening: I had wasted much time on follies and spent nearly all of my youth in vain labours, and devotion to the teachings of a wisdom that God had made foolish. Suddenly, I awoke as out of a deep sleep. I beheld the wonderful light of the Gospel truth, and I recognized

518-698: A collection of Origen 's works. Gregory decided to return to his family in Nazianzus. Basil attended the Council of Constantinople (360) . He at first sided with Eustathius and the Homoiousians , a semi-Arian faction who taught that the Son was of like substance with the Father, neither the same ( one substance) nor different from him. The Homoiousians opposed the Arianism of Eunomius but refused to join with

592-544: A day of harvesting reeds with his brother on a small island, Pachomius had another vision of an angel saying to him three times, "Pachomius, Pachomius, the Lord's will is [for you] to minister to the race of men and to unite them to himself" ( Bohairic Life of Pachomius 22). Pachomius established his first monastery between 318 and 323 at Tabennisi , Egypt. His elder brother John joined him, and soon more than 100 monks lived nearby. Pachomius set about organizing these cells into

666-453: A formal organization. Until then, Christian asceticism had been solitary or eremitic with male or female monastics living in individual huts or caves and meeting only for occasional worship services. Pachomius created the community or cenobitic organization, in which male or female monastics lived together and held their property in common under the leadership of an abbot or abbess . Pachomius realized that some men, acquainted only with

740-479: A generation, cenobic practices spread from Egypt to Palestine and the Judean Desert, Syria, North Africa and eventually Western Europe. The number of monks, rather than the number of monasteries, may have reached 7000. His reputation as a holy man has endured. As mentioned above, several liturgical calendars commemorate Pachomius. Among many miracles attributed to Pachomius, that though he had never learned

814-675: A great influence on Ethiopia. It has been an educational resource for centuries and is still consulted in matters of law in the present era. In 1960, when the government enacted the civil code of Ethiopia, it cited the Fetha Negest as an inspiration to the codification commission. Basil of Caesarea Autocephaly recognized by some autocephalous Churches de jure : Autocephaly and canonicity recognized by Constantinople and 3 other autocephalous Churches: Spiritual independence recognized by Georgian Orthodox Church: Semi-Autonomous: Basil of Caesarea , also called Saint Basil

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888-608: A liturgy, or rather reformed an existing liturgy, is beyond doubt, since besides the constant tradition of the Byzantine Church there are many testimonies in ancient writings to establish the fact. Basil's liturgical influence is well attested in early sources. Most of the liturgies bearing the name of Basil are not entirely his work in their present form, but they nevertheless preserve a recollection of Basil's activity in this field in formularizing liturgical prayers and promoting church-song. Patristics scholars conclude that

962-445: A noteworthy moderation in the austere practices which were previously characteristic of monastic life. He is also credited with coordinating the duties of work and prayer to ensure a proper balance between the two. Basil is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the development of Christian monasticism . Not only is Basil recognized as the father of Eastern monasticism; historians recognize that his legacy extends also to

1036-461: A powerful advocate for the Nicene position. In 362, Bishop Meletius of Antioch ordained Basil as a deacon . Eusebius then summoned Basil to Caesarea and ordained him as presbyter of the Church there in 365. Eusebius needed him as an assistant because of his intellectual gifts. Ecclesiastical entreaties rather than Basil's desires thus altered his career path. Basil and Gregory Nazianzus spent

1110-701: A second was founded at Pbow . This monastery at Pbow would go on to become the center for monasteries springing up along the Nile in Upper Egypt. Both of these are believed to have initially been abandoned villages, which were then repurposed for Pachomius’ vision of his Koinonia (network of monasteries). After 336, Pachomius spent most of his time at Pbow . Though Pachomius sometimes acted as lector for nearby shepherds, neither he nor any of his monks became priests. St. Athanasius visited and wished to ordain him in 333, but Pachomius fled from him. Athanasius' visit

1184-476: Is a boon to the enslaved person, Basil maintained (in Moral Rules 75 he recommended, that Christian slaves work harder than non-Christian slaves). This view is opposed to Gregory of Nyssa, and is reminiscent of Aristotle's argument and of Theodoret's. It is in the ethical manuals and moral sermons that the practical aspects of his theoretical theology are illustrated. So, for example, it is in his Sermon to

1258-492: Is generally considered doubtful. He was a famous preacher, and many of his homilies, including a series of Lenten lectures on the Hexaemeron (also Hexaëmeros , "Six Days of Creation"; Latin : Hexameron ), and an exposition of the psalter , have been preserved. Some, like that against usury and that on the famine in 368, are valuable for the history of morals; others illustrate the honor paid to martyrs and relics ;

1332-622: Is honoured as the chief architect of monastic life in the Greek Church. Most of his extant works, and a few spuriously attributed to him, are available in the Patrologia Graeca , which includes Latin translations of varying quality. Several of Basil's works have appeared in the late twentieth century in the Sources Chrétiennes collection. A famous quote of Basil is the below: The bread you store belongs to

1406-635: Is of Coptic origin: ⲡⲁϧⲱⲙ pakhōm from ⲁϧⲱⲙ akhōm "eagle or falcon" (ⲡ p - at the beginning is the Coptic definite article), from Middle Egyptian ꜥẖm "falcon", originally "divine image". Into Greek, it was adopted as Παχούμιος and Παχώμιος. By Greek folk etymology, it was sometimes interpreted as "broad-shouldered" from παχύς "thick, large" and ὦμος "shoulder". Pachomius was born in c. 292 in Thebaid (near modern-day Luxor , Egypt) to pagan parents. According to his hagiography , at age 21, Pachomius

1480-659: The Eastern Orthodox Church celebrates his feast day together with that of the Feast of the Circumcision on that day. This was also the day on which the General Roman Calendar celebrated it at first; but in the 13th-century it was moved to 14 June, a date believed to be that of his ordination as bishop , and it remained on that date until the 1969 revision of the calendar, which moved it to 2 January, rather than 1 January, because

1554-461: The Fetha , such as amputation of hands for conviction of theft, be made to cease entirely. However punitive enslavement remained as a punishment for crimes such as murder, rape, and unpaid debts. Though Ethiopia's 1930 Penal Code replaced the criminal provisions of the Fetha Negest, the latter document provided the starting point for the code, along with several new penal codes. The Fetha Negest has had

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1628-502: The Lesser Asketikon . According to Orosius , Basil taught apocatastasis entailing the restoration of all sinners to Christ after purification. This doctrine is most evident in his Commentary on Isaiah , however there is some scholarly dispute about this commentary and if it should truly be attributed to Basil. On the other hand, he vehemently opposed the view that hell has an end in his short Regulae , even claiming that

1702-700: The Senodos , and that the title Fetha Negest , Laws of the Kings, referred to the second (lay) part, that was new to Ethiopia. The Fetha Negest remained officially the supreme law in Ethiopia until 1931, when a modern-style Constitution was first granted by Emperor Haile Selassie I . A completely modernised penal code had already been introduced in 1930. Earlier, in 1921, shortly after becoming Regent, but before being crowned as Emperor, Haile Selassie I had directed that certain "cruel and unusual" punishments mandated in

1776-419: The address to young men on the study of classical literature shows that Basil was influenced by his own education, which taught him to appreciate the propaedeutic importance of the classics. In one of his Homilies, he describes, in one of the earliest descriptions of desalination , how sailors in his time obtain fresh water by hanging sponges over a vessel with boiling seawater and collecting and condensing

1850-659: The Church in the Western Church for his contributions to the debate initiated by the Arian controversy regarding the nature of the Trinity, and especially the question of the divinity of the Holy Spirit . Basil was responsible for defining the terms " ousia " (essence/substance) and " hypostasis " (person/reality), and for defining the classic formulation of three Persons in one Nature. His single greatest contribution

1924-454: The Church. Basil next took on functional administration of the city of Caesarea. Eusebius is reported as becoming jealous of the reputation and influence which Basil quickly developed, and allowed Basil to return to his earlier solitude. Later, however, Gregory persuaded Basil to return. Basil did so, and became the administrator for the Diocese of Caesarea. In 370, Eusebius died, and Basil

1998-554: The Great ( Koinē Greek : Ἅγιος Βασίλειος ὁ Μέγας , Hágios Basíleios ho Mégas ; Coptic : Ⲡⲓⲁⲅⲓⲟⲥ Ⲃⲁⲥⲓⲗⲓⲟⲥ , Piagios Basílios ; 330 – 1 or 2 January 378), was an early Roman Christian prelate who served as Bishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia from 370 until his death in 378. He was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed the heresies of the early Christian church, fighting against both Arianism and

2072-400: The Great , is generally recognized as the founder of Christian cenobitic monasticism. Coptic churches celebrate his feast day on 9 May, and Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches mark his feast on 15 May or 28 May. In Lutheranism , he is remembered as a renewer of the church, along with his contemporary (and fellow desert saint), Anthony of Egypt on 17 January. The name Pachomius

2146-645: The Holy Spirit , an appeal to Scripture and early Christian tradition to prove the divinity of the Holy Spirit, and his Refutation of the Apology of the Impious Eunomius , which was written about in 364 and comprised three books against Eunomius of Cyzicus , the chief exponent of Anomoian Arianism . The first three books of the Refutation are his work; his authorship of the fourth and fifth books

2220-465: The Lazicans that we find Basil explaining how it is our common nature that obliges us to treat our neighbor's natural needs (e.g., hunger, thirst) as our own, even though he is a separate individual. Basil's three hundred letters reveal his character. They show his observant nature, which, despite the troubles of ill-health and ecclesiastical unrest, remained optimistic, tender and even playful. Basil

2294-462: The Liturgy of Saint Basil "bears, unmistakably, the personal hand, pen, mind and heart of St. Basil the Great". One liturgy that can be attributed to him is The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great , a liturgy that is somewhat longer than the more commonly used Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom . The difference between the two is primarily in the silent prayers said by the priest, and in

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2368-463: The Pachomian monasteries it was left very much to the individual taste of each monk to fix the order of life for himself. Thus the hours for meals and the extent of his fasting were settled by him alone, he might eat with the others in common or have bread and salt provided in his own cell every day or every second day. His rule was translated into Latin by Jerome . Honoratus of Lérins followed

2442-542: The Rule of St. Pachomius. Basil the Great and Benedict of Nursia adapted and incorporated parts of it in their rules. Pachomius continued as abbot to the cenobites for some thirty years. During an epidemic (probably plague ), Pachomius called the monks, strengthened their faith, and failed to appoint his successor. Pachomius then died on 14 Pashons , 64 AM (9 May 348 AD). By the time Pachomius died, eight monasteries and several hundred monks followed his guidance. Within

2516-606: The Western church, largely due to his influence on Saint Benedict . Patristic scholars such as Meredith assert that Benedict himself recognized this when he wrote in the epilogue to his Rule that his monks, in addition to the Bible, should read "the confessions of the Fathers and their institutes and their lives and the Rule of our Holy Father, Basil. Basil's teachings on monasticism, as encoded in works such as his Small Asketikon ,

2590-514: The building of the Basiliad. This interaction helped to define the limits of governmental power over the church. Basil then had to face the growing spread of Arianism . This belief system, which denied that Christ was consubstantial with the Father, was quickly gaining adherents and was seen by many, particularly those in Alexandria most familiar with it, as posing a threat to the unity of

2664-666: The church. Basil entered into connections with the West, and with the help of Athanasius , he tried to overcome its distrustful attitude toward the Homoiousians. The difficulties had been enhanced by bringing in the question as to the essence of the Holy Spirit . Although Basil advocated objectively the consubstantiality of the Holy Spirit with the Father and the Son , he belonged to those, who, faithful to Eastern tradition, would not allow

2738-410: The communal life with solitude. The day was organised around the liturgy, with time for manual work and devotional reading. Fasts and work were apportioned according to the individual's strength. Each monk received the same food and clothing. Common meals were provided, but those who wished to absent themselves from them were encouraged to do so, and bread, salt, and water were placed in their cells. In

2812-516: The complete equality of both genders, deriving from the same human 'lump' (φύραμα), both in the image of God, endowed with the same honour and dignity (ὁμοτίμως), in perfect equality (ἐξ ἴσου). Men even risk being inferior in piety (Homily on Julitta 241B). Likewise, in Homilies on Psalms 1, PG 29.216–17, he insists on the Socratic and Stoic tenet, here Christianized, that man and woman have 'one and

2886-707: The confluence of the Iris and Lycos rivers ). His widowed mother Emmelia, sister Macrina, and several other women, joined Basil and devoted themselves to pious lives of prayer and charitable works (some claim Macrina founded this community). Here Basil wrote about monastic communal life. His writings became pivotal in developing monastic traditions of the Eastern Church . In 358, Basil invited his friend Gregory of Nazianzus to join him in Annesi. When Gregory eventually arrived, they collaborated on Origen's Philocalia ,

2960-510: The eremitical life, might speedily become disgusted if the distracting cares of the cenobitical life were thrust too abruptly upon them. He therefore allowed them to devote their whole time to spiritual exercises, undertaking all the community's administrative tasks himself. The community hailed Pachomius as "Abba" ("father" in Aramaic), from which "Abbot" derives. The monastery at Tabennisi , though enlarged several times, soon became too small and

3034-494: The exact date Basil died. The great institute before the gates of Caesarea, the Ptochoptopheion, or "Basileiad", which was used as poorhouse, hospital, and hospice became a lasting monument of Basil's episcopal care for the poor. Many of St. Basil's writings and sermons, specifically on the topics of money and possessions, continue to influence modern Christianity. The principal theological writings of Basil are his On

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3108-439: The families in cutting the bread were pleasantly surprised to find the coins. It is customary on his feast day to visit the homes of friends and relatives, to sing New Year's carols , and to set an extra place at the table for Saint Basil. Basil, being born into a wealthy family, gave away all his possessions to the poor, the underprivileged, those in need, and children. According to some sources, Basil died on 1 January, and

3182-472: The followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea . In addition to his work as a theologian, Basil was known for his care of the poor and underprivileged. Basil established guidelines for monastic life which focus on community life, liturgical prayer, and manual labor. Together with Pachomius , he is remembered as a father of communal monasticism in Eastern Christianity. He is considered a saint by

3256-501: The form of a cross. After studying seven years with Palaemon, Pachomius set out to lead the life of a hermit near St. Anthony of Egypt , whose practices he imitated until Pachomius heard a voice in Tabennisi that told him to build a dwelling for the hermits to come to. An earlier ascetic named Macarius had created a number of proto-monasteries called lavra , or cells, where holy men who were physically or mentally unable to achieve

3330-557: The function of a constitution (supreme law of the land) is with Sarsa Dengel beginning in 1563. This Ge'ez edition, ascribed to Petros Abda Sayd, is a loose translation of Ibn al-Assal's original, and even diverges significantly in a few places where Petros evidently had some difficulty with the Arabic. Scholars have stated that the first section (the Ecclesiastical law) was already in use in Ethiopia before this time as part of

3404-442: The hungry. The clothes you accumulate belong to the naked. The shoes that you have in your closet are for the barefoot. The money you bury deep into the ground to keep it safe, belongs to the poor. You were unfair to as many people as you could have helped and you did not. Basil of Caesarea holds a very important place in the history of Christian liturgy , coming as he did at the end of the age of persecution . That St. Basil composed

3478-529: The interpreters of dreams who explain visions in sleep to make them serve their own end." His ascetic tendencies are exhibited in the Moralia and Asketika (sometimes mistranslated as Rules of St. Basil ), ethical manuals for use in the world and the cloister, respectively. There has been a good deal of discussion concerning the authenticity of the two works known as the Greater Asketikon and

3552-619: The laity, such as family law, debt, civil administration etc., also drew on these sources, but is attributed in large part to four books referred to as the Canons of the Emperors (Arabic Qawānīn al-mulūk ). Various scholars have identified these books as: Ibn al-Assal's work is heavily influenced by Roman law , the first three of these sources being themselves strongly influenced by the Justinianic Code and earlier law codes. It

3626-520: The latter date is occupied by the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God . On 2 January Saint Basil is celebrated together with Saint Gregory Nazianzen . Novus Ordo services use the revised calendar while traditionalist Catholic communities continue to observe pre-1970 calendars. Pachomius Pachomius ( / p ə ˈ k oʊ m i ə s / ; Greek : Παχώμιος Pakhomios ; Coptic : Ⲡⲁϧⲱⲙ ; c. 292 – 9 May 348 AD), also known as Saint Pachomius

3700-561: The lectures of Libanius . The two later met again in Athens and became fast friends. There they met a fellow student who would become the emperor Julian the Apostate . Basil left Athens in 356, and after travels in Egypt and Syria, he returned to Caesarea . For around a year he practiced law and taught rhetoric. Basil's life changed radically after he encountered Eustathius of Sebaste ,

3774-524: The many people who hold it are deceived by the devil . However, the notion of a finite hell was also espoused by his siblings Macrina and Gregory of Nyssa and potentially by his dear friend Gregory of Nazianzus. It is probable that the relevant passage in Regulae was interpolated. The passage also seems to include ideas that could be considered in opposition to ideas in Basil's undisputed writings, for example

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3848-480: The next few years combatting the Arian heresy , which threatened to divide Cappadocia's Christians. In close fraternal co-operation, they agreed to a great rhetorical contest with accomplished Arian theologians and rhetors. In the subsequent public debates, presided over by agents of Valens , Gregory and Basil emerged triumphant. This success confirmed for both Gregory and Basil that their futures lay in administration of

3922-471: The nothingness of the wisdom of the princes of this world. After his baptism, Basil traveled in 357 to Palestine, Egypt, Syria and Mesopotamia to study ascetics and monasticism. He distributed his fortunes among the poor, and went briefly into solitude near Neocaesarea of Pontus (modern Niksar ) on the Iris River . Basil eventually realized that while he respected the ascetics' piety and prayerfulness,

3996-507: The notion of physical punishments in hell and of hell itself as a physical place with different locations. As well as potentially being in contradiction to most of Basil's linguistic use. In his book De Spiritu Sancto , Basil lists some who for him are illustrious men of the church and quotes them; these are Irenaeus of Lyon , Clement of Rome , Dionysius of Rome , Dionysius of Alexandria , Eusebius , Julius Africanus , Gregory Thaumaturgus , Firmilian and Origen . Basil also stresses

4070-667: The predicate homoousios to the former; for this he was reproached as early as 371 by the Orthodox zealots among the monks, and Athanasius defended him. Basil corresponded with Pope Damasus in the hope of having his aid and encouragement against triumphant Arianism; the pope, however, cherished some degree of suspicion against the Cappadocian Doctor. Basil died before the factional disturbances ended. He suffered from liver disease; excessive ascetic practices also contributed to his early demise. Historians disagree about

4144-491: The rigors of Anthony's solitary life would live in a community setting. According to the Bohairic Life of Pachomius (17), while Pachomius was praying at the deserted village of Tabennisi, he heard a voice calling him, saying, "Pachomius, Pachomius, struggle, dwell in this place and build a monastery; for many will come to you to become monks with you, and they will profit their souls." Later, while praying at night after

4218-471: The sake of peace and charity he was content to waive the use of orthodox terminology when it could be surrendered without a sacrifice of truth. The Emperor Valens , who was an adherent of the Arian philosophy, sent his prefect Modestus to at least agree to a compromise with the Arian faction. Basil's adamant negative response prompted Modestus to say that no one had ever spoken to him in that way before. Basil replied, "Perhaps you have never yet had to deal with

4292-512: The same time he was against the wild allegories of some contemporaries. Concerning this, he wrote: "I know the laws of allegory, though less by myself than from the works of others. There are those, truly, who do not admit the common sense of the Scriptures, for whom water is not water, but some other nature, who see in a plant, in a fish, what their fancy wishes, who change the nature of reptiles and of wild beasts to suit their allegories, like

4366-461: The same time, he preached every morning and evening in his own church to large congregations. In addition to all the above, he built a large complex just outside Caesarea, called the Basiliad , which included a poorhouse, hospice, and hospital, and was compared by Gregory of Nazianzus to the wonders of the world . His zeal for orthodoxy did not blind him to what was good in an opponent; and for

4440-520: The same virtue' and 'one and the same nature' (φύσις). Their common creation was of equal honour and dignity (ὁμότιμος); they have the same capacity and activity (ἐνέργεια), and will be given the same reward. Similarly, in Letter to Amphilochius 188, Basil again uses ἐξ ἴσου in reference to the equality of women and men. Basil faced the slavery issue in De Spiritu Sancto 20 in the context of

4514-446: The solitary life did not call him. Eustathius of Sebaste , a prominent anchorite near Pontus, had mentored Basil. However, they also eventually differed over dogma . Basil instead felt drawn toward communal religious life, and by 358 he was gathering around him a group of like-minded disciples , including his brother Peter. Together they founded a monastic settlement on his family's estate near Annesi (modern Sonusa or Uluköy, near

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4588-438: The supporters of the Nicene Creed , who professed that the members of the Trinity were of one substance (" homoousios "). However, Basil's bishop, Dianius of Caesarea, had subscribed only to the earlier Nicene form of agreement. Basil eventually abandoned the Homoiousians, and emerged instead as a strong supporter of the Nicene Creed . His ability to balance his theological convictions with his political connections made Basil

4662-469: The traditions of both Eastern and Western Christianity . Basil, together with his brother Gregory of Nyssa and his friend Gregory of Nazianzus , are collectively referred to as the Cappadocian Fathers . The Eastern Orthodox Church and Eastern Catholic Churches have given him, together with Gregory of Nazianzus and John Chrysostom , the title of Great Hierarch . He is recognized as

4736-635: The use of the hymn to the Theotokos , All of Creation , instead of the Axion Estin of John Chrysostom's Liturgy. The Eastern Churches preserve numerous other prayers attributed to Basil, including three prayers of exorcism , several morning and evening prayers, and the "Prayer of the Hours" which is read at each service of the Daily Office . Through his examples and teachings, Basil effected

4810-415: The water vapor. In his exegesis Basil was an admirer of Origen and the need for the spiritual interpretation of Scripture. In his work on the Holy Spirit , he asserts that "to take the literal sense and stop there, is to have the heart covered by the veil of Jewish literalism. Lamps are useless when the sun is shining." He frequently stresses the need for Reserve in doctrinal and sacramental matters. At

4884-744: Was a Christian martyr , executed in the years prior to Constantine I 's conversion. His pious paternal grandmother, Macrina , a follower of Gregory Thaumaturgus (who had founded the nearby church of Neocaesarea ), raised Basil and four of his siblings who also are now venerated as saints: Macrina the Younger , Naucratius , Peter of Sebaste , and Gregory of Nyssa . Basil received more formal education in Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia (modern Kayseri ) around 350–51. There he met Gregory of Nazianzus . Gregory went to Alexandria, while Basil went to Constantinople for further studies, including

4958-404: Was able to leave the army without ever having to fight. He moved to the village of Sheneset (Chenoboskion) in Upper Egypt and was converted and baptized in 314. Pachomius then came into contact with several well known ascetics and decided to pursue that path under the guidance of the hermit named Palaemon (317). One of his devotions, popular at the time, was praying with his arms stretched out in

5032-436: Was chosen to succeed him, and was consecrated as a bishop on 14 June 370. His new post as Bishop of Caesarea also gave him the powers of exarch of Pontus and metropolitan of five suffragan bishops , many of whom had opposed him in the election for Eusebius's successor. It was then that his great powers were called into action. Hot-blooded and somewhat imperious, Basil was also generous and sympathetic. He personally organized

5106-399: Was composed of prayers generally known and in general use, such as the Lord's Prayer. The monks were to pray them every day. As the community developed, the rules were elaborated with precepts taken from the Bible. He drew up a rule which made things easier for the less proficient, but did not check the most extreme asceticism in the more proficient. The Rule sought to balance prayer with work,

5180-496: Was his insistence on the divinity and consubstantiality of the Holy Spirit with the Father and the Son. In Greek tradition, Basil brings gifts to children every 1 January (St Basil's Day). It is traditional on St Basil's Day to serve vasilopita , a rich bread baked with a coin inside. The tradition is attributed to St. Basil, who when a bishop, wanted to distribute money to the poor and commissioned some women to bake sweetened bread, in which he arranged to place gold coins. Thus

5254-417: Was originally titled Collection of Canons , but the Arabic version is more commonly known as The Nomocanon of Ibn al-Assal . It was intended to be used by the Coptic Christians of Egypt, who regarded it as authoritative. There are a few historical records claiming that this law code was translated into Ge'ez and entered Ethiopia around 1450 in the reign of Zara Yaqob . Even so, its first recorded use in

5328-481: Was probably a result of Pachomius' zealous defence of orthodoxy against Arianism . Basil of Caesarea visited, then took many of Pachomius' ideas, which he adapted and implemented in Caesarea. This ascetic rule , or Ascetica, is still used today by the Eastern Orthodox Church , comparable to that of the Rule of St. Benedict in the West. Pachomius was the first to set down a written monastic rule. The first rule

5402-526: Was swept up against his will in a Roman army recruitment drive, a common occurrence during this period of turmoil and civil war. With several other youths, he was put onto a ship that floated down the Nile and arrived at Thebes in the evening. Here he first encountered local Christians, who customarily brought food and comfort daily to the conscripted troops. This made a lasting impression, and Pachomius vowed to investigate Christianity further when he got out. He

5476-607: Was transmitted to the west via Rufinus during the late 4th century. As a result of Basil's influence, numerous religious orders in Eastern Christianity bear his name. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Basilian Fathers, also known as the Congregation of St. Basil , an international order of priests and students studying for the priesthood, is named after him. Basil was given the title Doctor of

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