Basil of Caesarea, or Saint Basil the Great, was born in 330 AD to a wealthy, pious family in Caesarea. He started his career as a lawyer and teacher, but his life radically changed when he became Christian. He left his homeland to spend time with the monks of Egypt. When he returned, he founded his own communities of monks and was, in time, chosen to be the bishop of Caesarea.
As a bishop he was known to care for the poor, and to be zealous defender of the true Christian faith. He died in 379 AD.
St. Basil wrote many works. Included in this collection are:
1) A Sketch of the Life and Works of Saint Basil by Philip Schaff 2) De Spiritu Sancto (On The Spirit) 3) Nine Homilies of Hexaemeron 4) Letters 5) Ascetical Works