Fool-for-Christ
Basil of Moscow the Fool-For-Christ
Blessed Basil of Moscow, the Fool-for-Christ († 1557)
New Calendar August 2 Old Calendar August 15
Why they are a saint
At the age of sixteen, he took up the podvig of folly for Christ, in which he continued for seventy-two years, living to the age of eighty-eight. The Orthodox Church commemorates Basil of Moscow the Fool-For-Christ on August 2.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Basil of Moscow the Fool-For-Christ as a patron when they bear the name Basil at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on August 2. Russian Orthodox faithful also honor his as one of their own.
Prayer
O holy Basil of Moscow the Fool-For-Christ, 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.