Saint
Basil the New
Venerable Basil the New, Anchorite, Near Constantinople († 10th C)
New Calendar March 26 Old Calendar April 8
Why they are a saint
Saint Basil the New left the world in his youth, and struggled in a desolate place. Once, courtiers of the Byzantine Emperor were passing by and saw him dressed in rags, and were alarmed by his strange appearance. Venerated as a monastic saint, honored for a life of prayer and asceticism.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Basil the New as a patron when they bear the name Basil at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on March 26. As a monastic, he is also asked for help in prayer, fasting, and repentance.
Prayer
O holy Basil the New, 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.