Basil the Great

Life events

1. educated — 348

   Studied rhetoric under Libanius.

2. educated — 352

   Studied alongside Gregory of Nazianzus and the future emperor Julian.

3. tonsured — 358

   Embraced monastic life on the family estate in Pontus, forming a community with Gregory of Nazianzus.

4. ordained — 362

   Ordained priest by Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea.

5. other — 368

   Founded the Basileias — a complex of hospital, hospice, poorhouse, and monastery outside Caesarea, the first known Christian philanthropic institution at scale.

6. consecrated — 370

   Consecrated Archbishop of Caesarea, Metropolitan of Cappadocia.

7. died — 379

   Died January 1, 379, mourned by Christians and pagans alike.

Relationships