January 2

Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen

Memorial · Remembered by Catholics, Anglicans and Lutherans

Two friends who defended faith in the Trinity and cared for the poor

Basil and Gregory were born around 330 in Cappadocia, in what is now central Turkey. They became close friends as students in Athens, and that friendship shaped both their lives. Basil tried the life of a monk, and his rules for monks still guide the Eastern churches.

In 370 Basil became bishop of Caesarea. He held to the Nicene faith in Christ's full divinity while Emperor Valens favoured its opponents, and he built a large complex outside the city for the poor and the sick. He died in 379. Gregory, who loved books and solitude, was pushed into being a bishop more than once, and he resented Basil for sending him to Sasima, a dusty crossroads town. Yet in Constantinople his sermons on the Trinity helped restore the Nicene faith. He died around 390.

Christians remember them for thinking clearly about God and for showing that faith means caring for the poor.

Then he said, ‘This is what I will do: I will tear down my barns and will build bigger ones, and there I will store up all my grain and my goods. Then I will say to myself, “You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take it easy. Eat, drink, and be merry!”’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”

Luke 12:18–21 · BSB

A prayer

God of truth and love, you joined Basil and Gregory in friendship and gave them wisdom to speak of you and hearts to serve the poor. Give us faithful friends, a clear and humble faith, and generous hands for those in need, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.