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Commemorated on March
22nd
Hieromartyr Basil was a Priest in Ancyra, Galatia. Fighting against the
Arian heresy, he urged his flock to cling firmly to Orthodoxy. Because of this
St Basil was deposed from his priestly rank by a local Arian council, but a
Council of 230 bishops in Palestine reinstated him.
St Basil openly continued to preach and denounce the Arians. Therefore, he
became the victim of persecution and was subjected to punishment as a man
dangerous to the state. Two apostates, Elpidios and Pegasios, were ordered to
turn St Basil from Orthodoxy. The saint remained unshakable, and was again
subjected to tortures.
When the emperor Julian the Apostate (361-363) arrived in the city of Ancyra,
St Basil bravely confessed Christ before him at the trial, and denounced the
emperor for his apostasy. Julian ordered that strips of skin be cut from the
saint's back. St Basil endured the gruesome torture with great patience.
When they began to beat his shoulders and stomach with red-hot rods, he fell
down upon the ground from the torments and cried out, "O Christ, my Light! O
Jesus, my Hope! Quiet Haven from the stormy sea. I thank You, O Lord God of my
fathers, that You have snatched my soul from the pit of Hell and preserved Your
Name in me unstained! Let me finish my life a victor and inherit eternal life
according to the promise You gave my fathers. Now accept my soul in peace,
plying steadfast in this confession! For You are merciful and great is Your
mercy, You Who live and sojourn throughout all the ages. Amen."
Having made such prayer, and lacerated all over by the red-hot rods, the
saint fell into a sweet slumber, giving up his soul into the hands of God. The
Hieromartyr Basil died June 29, 362. His commemoration was transferred to March
22 because of the Feast of Sts Peter and Paul.
This saint should not be confused with St Basil of Ancyra (January 1), a
layman.
Troparion Tone 3
By the inspiration of the Holy Spirit/ thou didst worthily receive the
anointing of the priesthood, O Basil./ Thou didst offer thy martyr's contest as
a royal sacrifice/ to the King of ages./ O righteous Father, entreat Christ our
God to grant us His great mercy.
Kontakion Tone 3
As a priest of the King of glory,/ thou didst also become a holy warrior by
thy contest./ Thou didst shame the counsels of the lawless,/ and receive the
enjoyment of the heavenly kingdom,/ O Basil, blessed Hieromartyr of Christ.
Source: www.oca.org,
Menologian Software 2.0
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