Vasily himself was born around 330, into a Christian family, where his father was a lawyer and teacher of rhetoric. In addition to Basil the Great, there were ten more children in the family, and five of them, together with his mother, were canonized. Vasily received his first education from his parents and grandmother Macrina, who had a high Christian education. After their death, Vasily went for further studies to Constantinople, and then to Athens, where he received an education in philosophy, astronomy, physics and medicine. After completing his studies, Vasily returned to his homeland and began teaching rhetoric. In 362 he was ordained deacon.

Saint Basil taught and preached very patiently and zealously, which earned him honor and respect among the Bishops. This behavior could not but arouse envy, and thanks to this, Basil the Great fled to the Pontic desert, where he stayed not far from the monastery. The monastery was founded by his mother and sister, and here the rules of monastic life were created, which were later adopted by the monastery.

Soon he was appointed to the post of Bishop, where he remained until his death. All this time, Basil the Great preached the Christian faith. And according to his prayers were carried out miraculous healings. He distributed all his money to the needy and poor, leaving practically nothing for himself. He was considered a courageous, firm and principled man who did everything for the good of the church. In 379, Basil the Great died and both believers and pagans gathered at his funeral. His works, to which he devoted his entire life, still serve as a source of endless wisdom.

History of the name

In those days, children were called names with meaning. The name Vasily comes from the Greek king, royal, royal. Some argue that in ancient Rus' the name Vasya was from the highest, but this is all mythology and every meaning is just an assumption. It was in Byzantium that children were most often given this name. In Russia, many generations bore this name, and it was considered more popular than the famous Ivan. Subsequently, the name became unfashionable and today is practically obsolete.

How does the church celebrate this day?

On Memorial Day, January 14, a liturgy is held in the Orthodox Church. It is served either on the day of the holiday itself or on the eve of it. Such a liturgy lasts longer than usual and is more protracted. This comes from the fact that the priest secretly reads the Eucharistic prayer. Any holiday is celebrated solemnly in the church, especially on the day of St. Basil the Great.

The Greatness of Basil the Great

In Moscow on Red Square there is the Church of the Intercession Mother of God on the Moat. But probably few people know that its second name is St. Basil's Cathedral. After all, it is in this place that Vasily’s remains rest. He led the life of a holy fool, did not wear clothes, slept in the open air and in every possible way led hypocrites to clean water. After his death, the Tsar himself and the boyars carried the coffin of St. Basil the Blessed. The temple, built in Moscow, was considered the tallest building until the end of the sixteenth century. After each century, adjustments were introduced. Restorations were made, some things were painted, some things were removed. This temple has never been destroyed. No matter how much repair and restoration is done in the temple, many can notice that it is only getting better. Its majestic domes are visible from different parts cities, with such iridescence and beauty they delight the townspeople, reminding them of Orthodoxy.

Orthodox Christians celebrate Old New Year on this date, but almost not many people know about the existence of this holiday. People walk along the noisy streets, gathering in houses to celebrate this particular pagan holiday. But there are quite a few believers who know the history of Orthodoxy and go to church to honor the memory of St. Basil. All his life this Saint preached, bringing hope and faith to people. Many of his healings after prayer are still transmitted to interesting stories. His talent, intelligence and good nature could only be compared with St. Nicholas the Wonderworker. Gregory the Theologian in his writings spoke of Basil the Great this way: “It was easier to get out of the labyrinth than to argue with him.” This saint left behind many works; they still cause controversy and speculation among people. Carrying with him faith in Orthodoxy, he was rejected in understanding many times, but continued to bear his cross until the end of his days.

These days, few people think about the history of the holidays. In the hustle and bustle, we sometimes forget about many things. If you get closer to the church, you can learn about the lives of wonderful people who have carried faith in God and the church to this day. As is known church stories You can’t compare with legends, they are almost all true. A short story about St. Basil reminds us of a holy man who did not live his long and amazing life in vain. He helped many people during his lifetime and now they come to his relics with great gratitude. Looking at his actions, suffering and labors, we can conclude that the man strived for perfection. Possessing knowledge in such complex sciences as physics, medicine and philosophy, the Lord rewarded him with a wonderful mind. Many of us do not recognize Orthodoxy and such holidays as honoring saints. You should not relate to this number, you need to believe in a miracle, hope only for the best and live sinlessly. St. Basil shows by his example how to live, what to believe in and how to become closer to the church.

January 14 is a triple holiday in Ukraine. Christians of the Eastern rite celebrate St. Basil the Great, the Circumcision of the Lord and the first day of the new year according to the old style.

About the history of the holiday and traditions on this day– read on.

January 14 – Vasily

Basil the Great - Archbishop of Caesarea Capadocia, ecumenical teacher of the church (IV century AD). On January 14, his memory is honored. Church sources characterize Basil the Great as an ascetic, theologian and scientist, author of the code monastic life. It was he who came up with the saying: “The more you take away from the body, the more you add to the strength of the soul.”

Also, Basil the Great was considered the patron saint of agriculture, and that is why the main ritual on this day was grain. The first sower on New Year's Day usually brings happiness to the house. It is believed that girls do not bring happiness, so it is not suitable for them to sow.

The peculiarity of the service on this day is that the liturgy is performed, written by the saint himself. She is the first of ten divine liturgies, the service of which is established on certain days of the year. The order, content and rite of the liturgy of Basil the Great differ from the liturgy of John Chrysostom in that it is more voluminous prayers and the extended melody of the chants.

Circumcision of the Lord

On January 14, according to the new style, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Circumcision of Jesus Christ. On the eighth day after the birth of Jesus, according to Jewish custom, the rite of circumcision of Christ took place, after which the child was given a name, which was predicted by the Archangel Gabriel on the day of the transmission of the good news to the Virgin Mary - Jesus.

First day of the new year

On this day, a prayer service is held for the New Year. According to the old calendar, January 14th was the first day of the new year. The fact is that Orthodox Church lives according to the Julian calendar, because the life and deeds of our Lord Jesus Christ took place at the time when he acted precisely Julian calendar. It is based on the so-called “liturgical” year. Its divergence from the new, Gregorian calendar is 13 days, which is why Orthodox Christians celebrate the New Year not from December 31 to January 1, but from January 13 to 14.

Photo: Vasily’s Day continues new year holidays(pixabay.com//NikolayFrolochkin)

On January 14, it is customary to prepare generous kutya, sow, tell fortunes, and in the house it is necessary to have a cash reserve

New Year holidays continue in Ukraine. So, on January 14, two of them are celebrated at once: St. Basil the Great Day (Vasily’s Day) and the New Year according to the old style. About traditions, the life history of the saint, signs and folk customs on St. Basil's Day, he will tell.

History of the holiday and life of St. Basil

Saint Basil was born around 330 in the city of Caesarea in Cappadocia (Asia Minor) into a pious Christian family. The saint's father was a lawyer and teacher of rhetoric. Vasily received his initial education under the guidance of his parents and grandmother Macrina, a highly educated Christian. After the death of his father and grandmother, Vasily went for further education to Constantinople, and then to Athens, where he perfectly studied various sciences - rhetoric and philosophy, astronomy and mathematics, physics and medicine.

Photo: Saint Basil (facebook.com/cspsidPechat)

Around 357, Basil returned to Caesarea, where he taught rhetoric for some time. In Antioch, in 362 he was ordained a deacon by Bishop Meletius, and in 364 he was ordained a presbyter by Bishop Eusebius of Caesarea.

While fulfilling his ministry, Saint Basil preached zealously and tirelessly cared for the needs of his flock, thanks to which he earned high respect and great love.

For my short life Saint Basil left to his descendants many theological works: nine discourses on the Sixth Day, 16 discourses on various psalms, five books in defense Orthodox teaching about the Holy Trinity; 24 conversations on various theological topics; seven ascetic treatises; monastic rules; ascetic charter; two books about Baptism; a book about the Holy Spirit; several sermons and 366 letters to various persons.

Saint Basil the Great, along with Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, has since ancient times enjoyed special veneration among Orthodox believers. A particle of the relics of St. Basil still remains in the Pochaev Lavra. The honorable head of St. Basil is reverently kept in the Lavra of St. Athanasius on Athos, and his right hand is in the altar of the Church of the Resurrection of Christ in Jerusalem.

Vasily died on the first day of the new year 379. Soon the church canonized him and established a memorial day in honor of St. Basil on January 14.

Traditions for St. Basil's Day

If people are generous on the evening of January 13, then on St. Basil's Day it is customary to sow: to sing special ritual songs - sowers and wish the owners happiness and prosperity.

Photo: Kutya with fruits, nuts and dried fruits - a traditional dish on Vasily (pixabay.com/JESHOOTS)

On St. Basil's Day, according to folk tradition, it is customary to prepare a second kutya - a generous one. This kutia, unlike the one served on Holy Evening, is not Lenten. Generous kutia should be cooked early in the morning. And it had to be eaten, as they say, to the last crumb.

You should also prepare dumplings with cottage cheese and pancakes. It is with these delicacies that it is customary to thank guests who come to the house to generously and sow.

It is believed that boys should sow, since it is the man who must be the first to enter the house on January 14th. In this case, happiness and prosperity await the owners. It is customary to sow grain. Moreover, first they go to sow relatives and relatives, and then to friends. All planters receive a monetary reward, part of which is given to the church.

Photo: Sowing on St. Basil (facebook.com/vgorode.kharkov)

It is important that the sown grain is not thrown away. It should be collected and stored. In the village, for example, grain is stored until spring and mixed with other grains for sowing.

Also on this day, girls especially believe in fortune telling to find out when they will get married and whether they will be happy.

By the way, among the people Vasily is considered the patron saint of pigs, and on the old New Year (from January 13 to 14) they always prepared pork dishes - roasted pig, boiled ham and others.

Signs for Vasiliev Day

According to signs, on this day it is necessary to have a cash reserve in the house; Don’t lend, so as not to “give away” your wealth.

The following signs for Vasily are popular:

• if the first day of the year is cheerful (happy), then the year will be like that;
• snow or fog that falls on New Year's Day foreshadows the harvest;
• a full hole of water and fog on New Year's Day foreshadow a large spill;
• if it’s windy on New Year’s Day, it means a nut harvest;
• New Year - a turn towards spring.

Many people do not consider the Old New Year a holiday and do not attach much importance to it, although still most of Ukrainians do not miss the opportunity to once again raise their glasses at midnight and make their cherished wishes.

It must be said that the Old New Year is not simple fun, but, according to church calendar, day of Saint Melania - patroness hearth and home, pregnant women and women in labor. The evening of this day is popularly called Generous. Traditionally, on January 13, during a family dinner, dishes generously seasoned with animal fat and meat dishes are served on the table - as a sign of the end of strict fasting and the great joy of the birth of the Son of God, when Orthodox Christians eat kutya with uzvar, sing ritual songs and glorify the Infant God.

Just like on Christmas Eve and the holiday of the Nativity of Christ itself, so on Generous Evening the whole family gathers at the table, everyone asks each other for forgiveness, talks about the achievements of everyone present, and sums up the results of the outgoing year. Nowadays, the Generous Evening usually smoothly transitions into the Old New Year, and then continues with a trip to visit closest neighbors and friends living nearby. At the same time, everyone dresses up in costumes and gives generously - they sing songs that contain wishes for peace and joy to the visited house and its inhabitants, there are calls to love one’s neighbor and the Lord, and, of course, in a comic form, the generous ones ask for rewards for themselves for such chants and goodwill. Usually, people who are still able to come up with a festive image for themselves dress up as a Goat, Gypsy or Malanka, as required by tradition. If suitable colorful or funny clothes are not available or there is no strength to change clothes, companies get out of the situation thanks to a sharp word and their resourcefulness.

The long-standing traditions of this evening include - it was on January 13 that grooms have long sent matchmakers to their beloved and asked the brides' parents to give permission and blessing for the marriage. And although these days this event is no longer as bright and noisy as it was before, young people try not to change traditions in terms of determining the date of matchmaking.

And after all the delicious dinners, generous parties and get-togethers, the girls get together in company and - it is during the Christmas holidays that all predictions of future fate are considered the most truthful. Therefore, on the night of January 13-14, do not forget to put a comb under your pillow with the words “Betrothed-Mummer, comb my braid in a dream” or eat a spoonful of salt, saying “Betrothed-Mummer, let me drink water,” and take a close look at your hero dreams.

January 14 is the day of St. Basil the Great. Our ancestors believed that Vasily symbolized the Sun, and Melanka symbolized the Moon, and on the night from the 13th to the 14th they met and got married. The tradition of sowing is still alive - in the morning on the first day of the New Year, according to the old style, boys go to the houses of neighbors and acquaintances, recite ritual poems, sow wheat or oats in the house, thus driving away old year, proclaim the new master and wish the family prosperity. On this day, people pray to Saint Basil the Great for the successful start of any business, good farming and well-being.

Prayer to Saint Melania for the well-being of pregnancy and childbirth

Oh, glorious mother Melania, our speedy helper and intercessor and vigilant prayer book for us! Standing before your most pure image and you, as I live, we pray to you with vision and prostration: accept our petition and bring it to the Throne of the Merciful Heavenly Father, as I have boldness towards Him; ask those who flow to you and everyone Orthodox Christian eternal salvation and temporary prosperity, a generous blessing for all our good deeds and undertakings, quick deliverance from all troubles and sorrows. She, our child-loving mother, you, who stand before the Throne of God, know our spiritual and worldly needs, look at her with your mother’s eye, and with your prayers turn away from us the fluctuation of every wind of teaching, the increase of evil and ungodly customs; Establish in all the faith consonant knowledge, mutual love and like-mindedness, so that to all, in words and writings and deeds, the All-Holy Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the One God, worshiped in the Trinity, to Him be honor and glory, forever and ever. . Amen.

Troparion, tone 8

In you, mother, it is known that you were saved in the image: having accepted the cross, you followed Christ, and in action you taught to despise the flesh, for it passes away, but to adhere to the souls, things that are immortal; In the same way, your spirit will rejoice with the Angels, O Venerable Melanie.

Kontakion, tone 3

Having loved the virginity of purity and admonished the betrothed to good things, squander the abundance of wealth in the stay of the monastic, O Blessed One, and erected monasteries. Also, dwell in the Heavenly monastery, remember us, all-honorable Melanie.

Prayer to Saint Basil

O great and most holy saint, Father Basil! Look down upon us from the heights of heaven, servant of God (names), and pray to the Lord, whose faithful servant you were on earth, grant us firm and unchangeable preservation of the right faith, obedience to the Church of the Saints, correction of our lives in all needs, sorrows and temptations quick help, patience and strengthening. Give us yours holy blessing May we be blessed by this all days, pleasing to God, in peace and repentance, and in the Kingdom of Heaven we will be honored together with you and with all the saints Life-giving Trinity, Father and Son and Holy Spirit, sing and glorify forever and ever.

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