Western feast day for Saint Basil

Basil of Caesarea, also called Saint Basil the Great, who passed away on 1 or 2 January 379), was a bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). While the Western feast day for Saint Basil is celebrated on 2 January, the Eastern feast day is on January 1.

Saint Basil the Great was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed 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 made Basil a powerful advocate for the Nicene position.

The people affectionately nicknamed Saint Basil, "The Bee," because he stung the church's enemies ... yet nourished his flock with the sweet honey of his teaching. 

One of Saint Basil the Great's miracles was rendering a manuscript totally illegible. He was able to ruin all but one reading in this manuscript during his lifetime, and he obliterated the last stubborn reading as his first posthumous miracle.  

The sound of your voice has gone throughout the lands and your teachings have been received.
You have divinely explained the nature of being and have given a rule of life for man.
Through your kindly priesthood Father Basil, intercede with Christ our God, that our souls may be saved.

— Hymn to St. Basil