Basil the Great (330-379) – archbishop of Caesaria of the Roman province of Cappadocia, an advocate of Orthodoxy against the Arian heresy. Gregory, the Bishop of Nyssa and Peter, the Bishop of Sebastia were his younger brothers. He was on friendly terms with Gregory the Theologian when they studied together in Athens. St. Basil the Great worked out the coenobitic charter of the eastern monasticism and composed the divine liturgy which is conducted nowadays only 10 times per year. He also played a significant role in the development of the Orthodox teaching on the Holy Trinity. St. Basil the Great, who undermined his health by ascetic exploits and referred to himself as old man in his letters from the age of 40, died on 1 January when he was 49. His memory is celebrated on this day.
He is also depicted on the southern wall, the first from the window.
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