Basil Fool for Christ

Basil the Blessed (* in December 1468 Jelochowo in Moscow, † 1552 or 1557; well: fool Vasily, Vasily ) is a Russian saint ( feast: August 2 ).

Icons with the image of St. Basil are widely used in Russia, especially in Moscow, where he was consecrated as St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Square in honor.

Basil is one of the group of ascetics who are referred to as " fool in Christ ". In the West, these fools, who pretended to have lost his mind, were rejected by the Church. In Russia, however, as in Byzantium, they enjoyed prestige because of their actions, which they denounced abuses in church and society.

On the icons Basil is often alone shows how he turns to God in prayer. Sometimes he is also faced another saint.