Ninth Day of Christmas(tide) ~ January 2

The Ninth Day of Christmas: Feast of Saint Basil the Great and Saint Gregory Nazianzen

January 2nd, the Ninth Day of Christmas, celebrates the Feast of Saint Basil the Great. It also honors Saint Gregory Nazianzen. These are two towering figures of the 4th century. Their friendship and faith shaped Christian theology and monastic life.

A Friendship That Shaped the Church

Saint Basil and Saint Gregory were close friends who attended school together and shared a profound commitment to serving God. They both rejected worldly pleasures, dedicating their lives to theology, charity, and defending the Christian faith.

• Saint Basil the Great.
  Basil is known as the “Father of Eastern Monasticism.” He established guidelines for monastic life that emphasized community living. These guidelines also focused on prayer and manual labor. He strongly advocated for the Nicene Creed, a cornerstone of Christian liturgy. He is remembered for his unwavering care for the poor and underprivileged. Basil’s influence extended to both Eastern and Western monastic traditions. His reforms in liturgy and theology left a lasting legacy.
• Saint Gregory Nazianzen.
  Often called the “Theologian,” Gregory was one of the greatest orators of his time. He played a pivotal role in shaping Trinitarian theology, which explores the relationship between the three Persons of the Trinity. Gregory faced slander and opposition. Yet, he remained steadfast in his faith. After retiring from active ministry, he dedicated his life to contemplation and writing.

The Tradition of Vasilopita

In honor of Saint Basil’s generosity, it is customary to bake vasilopita. This is a sweet bread that traditionally contains a hidden coin. According to legend, Saint Basil began this practice to distribute money to the poor while preserving their dignity. Instead of giving coins directly, he baked them into bread and distributed it to the community.

Today, the bread is blessed and shared with family. Whoever finds the coin (or a safer substitute like a raisin) receives a special blessing for the year. They are encouraged to continue Saint Basil’s work of charity.

Reflecting on the Ninth Day of Christmas

This day reminds us of the enduring power of faith, friendship, and service. Basil and Gregory’s lives inspire us to live with humility. They encourage us to dedicate ourselves to our communities, just as they did centuries ago.

As you observe the Ninth Day of Christmas, think about baking your own vasilopita. This can be a fun family activity. You might also reflect on the Nicene Creed. It stands as a testament to the theological contributions of these two saints.

May this day inspire us to share our blessings with others. Let us embrace new beginnings. We must honor the legacy of those who came before us.

Eighth Day of Christmas(tide) ~ January 1