| − | St. Basil the Great was born one of nine children at Caesarea (now modern [[Turkey]]) to a strong Christian family, father [[Saint Basil the Elder]] and mother [[Saint Emmelia]]. He is the grandson of [[Saint Macrina the Elder]] and four of his brothers and sisters are also [[canonized]] [[saints]]. Basil studied in all the famous schools of the day; Caesarea, Constantinople and Athens. Saint Basil was distinguished for his brilliance of mind and seriousness of character. He was able, grave, industrious, and well advanced in rhetoric, grammar, [[philosophy]], astronomy, geometry, and [[medicine]]. After attending school and receiving an education, he opened a school of oratory and became a [[lawyer]]. He became well known for his teaching and speaking abilities. He was so successful, so sought after as a speaker, he was tempted by pride. Fearful that it would overtake his piety, he sold all that he had, gave away the money, and became a [[priest]] and [[monk]].<ref>[http://saints.sqpn.com/saintb05.htm Saint Basil the Great] Star Quest Production Network</ref> | + | St. Basil the Great was born one of nine children at Caesarea (now modern [[Turkey]]) to a strong Christian family, father Saint Basil the Elder and mother Saint Emmelia. He is the grandson of Saint Macrina the Elder and four of his brothers and sisters are also [[canonized]] [[saints]]. Basil studied in all the famous schools of the day; Caesarea, Constantinople and Athens. Saint Basil was distinguished for his brilliance of mind and seriousness of character. He was able, grave, industrious, and well advanced in rhetoric, grammar, [[philosophy]], astronomy, geometry, and [[medicine]]. After attending school and receiving an education, he opened a school of oratory and became a [[lawyer]]. He became well known for his teaching and speaking abilities. He was so successful, so sought after as a speaker, he was tempted by pride. Fearful that it would overtake his piety, he sold all that he had, gave away the money, and became a [[priest]] and [[monk]].<ref>[http://saints.sqpn.com/saintb05.htm Saint Basil the Great] Star Quest Production Network</ref> |