A Fool for Christ

I have a younger sister, Ilene, who celebrates her birthday on this date.  I also have a good friend, Teresa, who was born on August 2.  They share this day with Basil the Blessed, fool for Christ.  St. Basil was not born on August 2, but rather it was the day of his death.*  He was canonized by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Basil's lifestyle centered around his activities of shoplifting and giving the proceeds to the poor, not only to help the needy, but to shame the greedy as well.  It is said that he went about his business wearing no clothing, but I mean, in Russia?
A key example of Basil's odd or "foolish" behavior is this.  He chastised Tsar Ivan the Terrible for his lack of attention in church, and his failure to care for or nurture the poor.

We are told that this Tsar was a pallbearer at Basil's funeral.  Basil is interred in St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow.







 Happy birthday, Ilene and also a happy birthday to Teresa.

*August 2 would be August 15, new style.