St. Basil of Ostrog + Commemorated on April 29
Saint Basil, Bishop of Zakholmsk, was born of pious parents in the sixteenth century in the Popov district of Herzegovina. At the age of maturity he left his parental home and settled in the Trebinsk monastery in honor of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, and became a monk.
For his virtuous life the saint was elevated to be Bishop of Zakholm and Skenderia. He occupied the bishop’s cathedra in the second half of the sixteenth century, a successor to Bishop Paul and predecessor of Bishop Νikόdēmos. Saint Basil was a good pastor of the flock of Christ, and the Lord strengthened his discourse with various miracles. For the sanctifying of soul with the wisdom of holy ascetic fathers, the saint journeyed to Athos. Saint Basil died peacefully and was buried in the city of Ostrog in Chernogoria on the border with Herzegovina.
Troparion — Tone 4
From your youth you gave yourself completely to the Lord, abiding in prayers, contests, and fasts, O God-bearing Father, you were an example of virtue for your flock, so God, seeing your good will, placed you as a shepherd and a most excellent Hierarch of His Church; and after your repose, O Hierarch Basil, your holy body was preserved incorrupt. Therefore, as one having boldness, pray to Christ God for the salvation of our souls.
Kontakion — Tone 8
From childhood you submitted yourself to the Lord, by fasting and vigil you subdued your body, O wise one, you were shown to be a precious vessel of the Most Holy Spirit, so he made you the shepherd of His Church, which you shepherded well. Therefore, you departed to the Lord Whom you loved. We beseech you to remember us who honor your holy memory with faith, and we all cry out to you: “Rejoice, most revered Father Basil.”
