Saint
Basil
Saint Basil, Bishop of Ryazan
New Calendar July 10 Old Calendar July 23
Why they are a saint
Basil of Caesarea, also called Saint Basil the Great (330 – 1 or 2 January 379), was an early Christian prelate. He served as Bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia from 370 until his death in 379. He was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed heresies within the early Christian church such as Arianism and Apollinarianism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Basil as a patron when they bear the name Basil at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on July 10. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Basil, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.