St.Basil (Bishop of Caesarea) (330-379)


Basil Saint, called the Great. ?329-379 A.D. Greek patriarch; an opponent of Arianism and one of the founders of monasticim. Feast day Jan 2, June 14 or Jan 1.
Petition
[as quoted in The Extended Circle by Jon Wynne-Tyson]
The earth is the Lord's and the fullness
Thereof, Oh, God, enlarge within us the
Sense of fellowship with all living
Things, our brothers the animals to
Whom Thou gavest the earth as
Their home in common with us.
We remember with shame that
In the past we have exercised the
High dominion of man with ruthless
Cruelty so that the voice of the earth,
Which should have gone up to Thee in
Song, has been a groan of travail.
May we realize that they live not
For us alone but for themselves and
For Thee and that they love the sweetness
Of life.
Quote;
A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.

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