Saint Basil the Great celebrated by Orthodox Christians of old style in Moldova
16:06 | 14.01.2018 Category: Social
Chisinau, 14 January /MOLDPRES/ – Old Orthodox Christians celebrate today Sfantul Vasile cel Mare (Saint Basil the Great), considered one of the most important parents of the Orthodox Church and the greatest Christian theologians.
St. Basil was born in Pont around 329. He studied at Caesarea, Constantinople and Athens, remarking himself from youth through profound knowledge in philosophy, astronomy, geometry, medicine and rhetoric.
In search of ways to perfection, Basil visited many monasteries in Egypt, Syria, Palestine and Mesopotamia. Upon returning to Pont, he established a monastery. His writings of that period lay the foundations of systematic monastic life and that is why St. Basil is considered the father of Oriental monasticism. He made a tremendous effort in organizing church and fought for rights of the clergy, while placing a great emphasis on the thorough, canonical and spiritual training of priests.
His writings are of great theological importance and were translated all over the world. Among these are Monastic Rules, Morals, About the Judgment of God, Religion and 366 Epistles, Liturgy of St. Basil the Great and the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great.
St. Basil died on the first day of year 379 and was soon canonized. Since then, St. Basil has been celebrated by the Orthodox Church on the first day of the year, on new or old style. From this feast the housewives are used to preparing meals with pork, sarmale (rolled rice cabbage), red wine, homemade cakes and spinning with nuts, jam or cheese.
On the morning of 14 January, the children go with Semanatul (Sansanat) or Sorcova, throwing grains of wheat, grains of corn, oats and blessing the family. The seeds falling into the garden or dwelling symbolize faith in a more prosperous year and rich fruits. After the feast they are given to the birds near the house. It is said that if the master of the house receives properly (with sweets, money and wine) sansanats and sowers, the coming year will be one with an increase and house be guarded from the evil ones.
Today, there mark their birthday those ones having names: Vasile, Vasilina, Vasilisa and others. In Moldova, name Vasile is one of the most popular, along with Ion, Gheorghe, Andrei, Daniel, Tudor, Bogdan, etc.
(Reporter L. Grubii, editor L. Alcaza)
