The saint library

Saint Basileus of Cherson

Bishop
Cherson and the Black Sea region
Feast day: March 7

Icon: Ephraim, Elpidius, Eugene, Basileus, Capito, Aetherius and Agathodorus, bishops of Cherson. Image source: Holy Metropolis of Oropos and Phyle — Iconological Synaxarion

A life of faith

Basileus was a bishop sent from Jerusalem to preach in Cherson, in the Crimea. After being beaten and expelled from the city, he withdrew to a cave near Mount Parthenon. The Christian tradition associated with his life recounts the restoration of a magistrate’s son to life and the baptism of the household. Opponents later seized Basileus and killed him by stoning.

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

A reflection

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