Basil of Caesarea, also called Saint Basil the Great, (329 or 330 – January 1, 379) is the Greek bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey).
He is an influential theologian, who supports the Nicene Creed and opposes the heresies of the early Christian Church, fighting against both Arianism and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea.
His ability to balance his theological convictions with his political connections make Basil a powerful advocate for the Nicene position.
In addition to his work as a theologian, Basil is known for his care of the poor and underprivileged.
Basil establishes 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 the traditions of both Eastern and Western Christianity.
Basil, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nyssa 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.
His is recognized as a Doctor of the Church in both Eastern Orthodoxy and Roman Catholicism.
He is sometimes referred to by the epithet "Ουρανοφαντωρ", translatable as "revealer of heavenly mysteries.
