Saint Basil the Great
Oil on wood panel 12"x16"x7/8"24 K Gold Leaf in traditional application$700.00
Basil had saints for grandparents, parents and siblings. After studying in Athens, he wanted to teach, his sister Macrina urged him to consider his soul, and went on a life changing tour of monasteries.  He was ordained as a priest and founded a monastery.    In 370, he was named Bishop of Caesarea in the middle of a famine.  He used his influence to expand access to food, shelter and medical care. He founded a hospital and a community of monks to staff it. Doctors and surgeons came to work in this innovative place, where light and air were let in and infectious diseases quarantined. He then added a hostel for strangers and a school to train the unskilled.  Beyond this, Basil was a leader among bishops. His writings were a beacon in a time of confusion and heresy. When he died in 379, Christians, Jews and pagan paid their respects.  *information from the Magnificat