SAINT BASIL THE GREAT and SAINT GREGORY NAZIANZEN, Bishops and Doctors of the Church – Memoria: 2 January

Basil was born of a Christian family at Caesarea in Cappadocia in the year 330. Outstanding in learning and virtue he began to lead a retired life but in the year 370 he was appointed Bishop of Caesarea. He combated the Arian heresy, wrote much of value, especially the monastic rules, which even today are followed by many monks of the Eastern Church; and he was outstanding in helping the poor. He died on 1 January 379.

Gregory was born near Nazianzus in the same year, 330. He journeyed much in order to acquire knowledge and he followed his friend Saint Basil in undertaking a life of solitude, but he was ordained a priest and bishop. In 381 he was chosen Bishop  of Constantinople. However, because of the divisions he encountered in the diocese he returned to his native Nazianzus where he died on 25 January in either 389 or 390. He was a man of outstanding knowledge and eloquence and was called The Theologian.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, You enriched Your Church and gave examples for us to follow in the life and teaching of Saint Basil and Saint Gregory. Grant that, learning Your truth with humility, we may practise it in faith and love. We pray this in the most precious name of our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You and he Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.

Jakarta, 2 January 2018

A Christian Pilgrim