Saint · 4th C
Basil
Hieromartyrs Basil, Ephraim, Eugene, Elpidius, Agathodorus, Aetherius, and Kapiton of Cherson (4th C)
New Calendar March 7 Old Calendar March 20
Why they are a saint
The Holy Hieromartyrs Basil, Ephraim, Eugene, Elpidias, Agathodoros, Etherias and Kapiton carried the evangelium (Good News) of Christ into the North Black Sea region from the Danube (Dunaj) to the Dniepr, including the Crimea, and they sealed their apostolic activity with a martyr’s death during the IV Century in the city of Tauridian Chersonessus. The Orthodox Church commemorates Basil on March 7.
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 March 7. As a martyr, he is also asked for courage and faithfulness under trial.
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.