Saint Basil the Confessor of Decapolis

A life of faith

Basil was a monk who defended the veneration of icons during the reign of Leo III. His individual commemoration preserves his close association with Prokopios of Decapolis. The two were tortured and imprisoned because they would not accept the imperial campaign against holy images. After the emperor's death, Basil and other imprisoned defenders of icons were released. He continued monastic life and instructed people in Orthodox belief and virtuous conduct rather than allowing imprisonment to end that work. The Church remembers him as a confessor alongside his companion. The surviving account gives few further details about his earlier life or family.

The Eastern Orthodox Church remembers saints in prayer and commemoration. Their lives offer examples for Christians learning to live their faith.

A reflection

Think about faithful work that continues after a serious disruption. Basil's commemoration remembers resumed teaching and monastic life as well as endurance during persecution.

Read the Orthodox source

Feast dates follow the linked source. Local calendars and commemorations may vary. Themes describe a saint’s life; quiz suggestions do not assign a baptismal patron. Discuss choosing a patron saint with your priest.