This edition of On the Holy Spirit comes complete with a Touch-or-Click Table of Contents, divided by chapter. Basil of Caesarea, also called Saint Basil the Great, was the bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He was an influential 4th century Christian theologian. Theologically, Basil was a supporter of the Nicene faction of the church, in opposition to Arianism on one side and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea on the other. His ability to balanc...

St. Basil the Great expresses frustration that repeated exhortations and fasting failed to reform the audience, comparing failed persistence to a farmer discouraged by seeds that do not sprout. Those who once advanced in virtue but relapse into fleeting pleasures forfeit reward and invite sterner judgment. The oration criticizes immodest women who, ignoring the fear of God and the coming resurrection and judgment, expose themselves, dance, and lead men into frenzy. Drunkenness is condemned...

This short work condemns envy as the most destructive human passion: a secret, corrosive sorrow at another's prosperity that wastes the envious person like poison. Envy prevents joy, fosters hidden hostility, and delights in others' misfortune while pretending goodwill. It corrupts relationships, opposes God's generosity, and has driven the devil and biblical figures (Cain, Saul) to fratricide and attempted murder. St. Basil urges readers to flee envy-an irrational, self‑destructive diseas...

“These men teach us how to grow as Christians by walking the way of the Cross. The Cross is as close to us as the limitations of our own humanity. The Cross is woven into all our relationships. Drawing closer to God is infinitely rewarding but also terribly hard, and demands everything from us. Living in community fortifies our identity and sustains our purpose, but it also confronts us with the whole range of human weakness, starting with our own. St. Ant...

This Homily by St. Basil is a solemn speech delivered in a time of hardship, invoking the prophet Amos to highlight the consequences of Israel's abandonment of ancestral piety and law, resulting in divine punishment manifested as drought and famine. The people are likened to stubborn horses rejecting guidance, leading to desolation of the land and suffering of the community. The speaker urges the listeners, addressed as spiritual children, to heed the prophetic warnings, accept correction ...

These three letters contrast dawn for most people with midnight for devoted ascetics, portraying the night as an ideal time for spiritual solitude and reflection. In this silence the soul avoids harmful sensory distractions, communes alone with God, examines and repents of sins, establishes limits to prevent sin, and seeks God's assistance to fulfill its spiritual aims. The passage concludes as a fraternal appeal for the recipient's holy prayers, asking deliverance from the evils and unrea...

This text delves into the nature of faith and the human endeavor to comprehend God. It articulates the inadequacy of human language to fully express the divine, advocating for humility in understanding theology. The text recounts the experiences of prominent biblical figures like Abraham and Moses, who, despite their closeness to God, recognized their limitations. It discusses the Trinity-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-highlighting their unity and distinct roles. Ultimately, it emphasizes th...

The text explores the complex relationship between God and evil, asserting that while God allows suffering and trials, He is not the creator or cause of evil. It emphasizes that evil stems from human free will and sin, and that God uses adversity as a means of correction and growth. The author highlights that true goodness and righteousness are inherent in God, and evil is a deprivation of good rather than a created entity. Ultimately, the text encourages believers to understand suffering ...

the author is Basil of Caesarea, also called Saint Basil the Great, (329 or 330 – January 1, 379) (Greek: Ἅγιος Βασίλειος ὁ Μέγας) was the Greek bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He was an influential theologian who supported the Nicene Creed and opposed the heresies of the early Christian church, fighting against both Arianism and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea. His ability to balance his theological convictions with his political connecti...

This discourse addresses the brevity and tumult of human existence, likening life to a struggle filled with sorrow and challenges. It explores the cycle of life from birth to old age, highlighting how joy is often overshadowed by pain and the relentless pursuit of material gain. The author encourages a focus on spiritual fulfillment and righteousness as the true source of comfort and wealth, contrasting it with the fleeting nature of worldly success. Ultimately, it advocates for embracing ...

This edition of Nine Homilies of Hexaemeron comes complete with a Touch-or-Click Table of Contents, divided by each Homily. Basil of Caesarea, also called Saint Basil the Great, was the bishop of Caesarea Mazaca in Cappadocia, Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). He was an influential 4th century Christian theologian. Theologically, Basil was a supporter of the Nicene faction of the church, in opposition to Arianism on one side and the followers of Apollinaris of Laodicea on the other. His ability...

This discourse explores the profound mystery surrounding the birth of Christ, urging believers to honor this event with silence and reverence rather than engage in speculative inquiries about its nature. The text emphasizes that God's incarnation in human flesh transcends human understanding and challenges notions of time and physicality. It highlights the unique role of the Virgin Mary, the significance of the Holy Spirit in the conception, and the fulfillment of prophetic signs. Ultimate...