Gospel in Art: Memorial of Saints Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen, Bishops and Doctors

Three Holy Hierarchs, Saints Basil Caesarea, Saint Gregory and Saint John Chrysostom, Russian Icon, 1900 © Temple Gallery, London, all rights reserved

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 2 January 2025
John 1:19-28

This is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, 'Who are you?' He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, 'I am not the Christ.' And they asked him, 'What then? Are you Elijah?' He said, 'I am not.' 'Are you the Prophet?' And he answered, 'No.' So they said to him, 'Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?' He said, 'I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, "Make straight the way of the Lord", as the prophet Isaiah said.' (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) They asked him, 'Then why are you baptising, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?' John answered them, 'I baptise with water, but among you stands one you do not know, even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.' These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptising.

Reflection on the Russian Icon

Today we celebrate Saints Basil the Great and Gregory of Nazianzus. Both served as bishops in the 4th century, and are now honoured as saints and doctors of the Church. Their lifelong friendship began during their studies in Caesarea, Cappadocia, and deepened while they were in Athens. Reflecting on their bond, Gregory later wrote, "We seemed to have one soul, inhabiting two bodies." (Orationes of Saint Gregory 43:20). Both men hailed from remarkable families: Basil's maternal grandmother was a martyr, while his paternal grandmother, parents, and three siblings were also canonised. Gregory's father, converted to Catholicism by his wife, became a priest and later the Bishop of Nazianzus, a role he held for nearly forty-five years, living into his nineties. They raised three children, all of whom were eventually recognised as saints.

During Basil and Gregory's lifetime, the Church was battling the widespread heresy of Arianism, which denied the divinity of Christ. This doctrine acted like a corrosive disease within the Church, sowing divisions. Saints Basil and Gregory were instrumental in countering this heresy and restoring unity within the faith community, particularly in the Eastern Church. However, their efforts came at a great personal cost. They endured hostility, slander, physical violence, and threats from the emperor, other bishops, and even members of the faithful. Despite these challenges, they remained resolute and focused on their mission, leaving behind a legacy of profound theological writings that continue to inspire and instruct. Their works, especially on the divinity of Christ and the Holy Trinity, stand as enduring pillars of Christian theology. Yet, their greatness was not solely intellectual. Their sainthood was rooted in their holiness, they way the lived their day to day life in love and generosity.

In art, the two saints are often depicted together. In fact, in Byzantine art they are often portrayed alongside Saint John Chrysostom as well. Our Russian icon, circa 1900, shows the three bishops depicted. From left to right, are John Chrysostom, known as the "golden-mouthed" preacher (347-407), Saint Gregory Nazianzus (329-390), archbishop of Constantinople and Saint Basil the Great (330-379), brother of Gregory of Nyssa. They are shown standing beneath an image of the Mandylion (a linen towel that had touched the face of Christ that retained his features from the sweat of his brow imprinting on the cloth). Stay tuned for a video we will send out soon, that will cover another icon of these three saints.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/john-1-19-28-2025/