Since my tulips have not yet bloomed for Dad's birthday (his favorite flower), today I will share a story of one of his name-Saints as my gift for him.
Many of you may have heard of - and even know a little about - St. Basil the Great. But did you know that St. Basil the Great's father is also a Saint? He is known as St. Basil the Elder (for obvious reasons). The elder St. Basil, the son of wealthy Christians from Caesarea in Cappadocia, was born around the year 270. He was a lawyer and professor of rhetoric. His wife is also a Saint, St. Emmelia. She lost her parents at an early age and married Basil to avoid the many dangers of the world.
The reputation of this exemplary Christian couple spread quickly throughout the region. They were especially known for their corporal works of mercy for the poor and pilgrims. They were also the parents of ten children, whom they brought up to know and treasure the Word of God in Sacred Scripture. The best known of their children are the afore-mentioned St. Basil the Great, St. Gregory of Nyssa, St. Macrina the Younger and St. Peter of Sebaste.
St. Basil the Elder died shortly after the birth of his youngest son (Peter), around 349. His wife, after providing for the care of all the children, withdrew to a cloister, where she lived to a ripe old age, dying around the year 372.
St. Basil' the Elders feast day is May 30 (St. Emmelia is also honored on that day).
