Basil of Caesarea, also known as Saint Basil the Great, was a Christian bishop in the 4th century. He played a crucial role in the development of Christian monasticism and is recognized for his contributions to the early Church. His writings, particularly on theology and social issues, helped shape Christian doctrine and practice. Basil was born around 330 AD in Cappadocia, in modern-day Turkey. He is one of the three Cappadocian Fathers, alongside Gregory of Nyssa and Gregory Nazianzen, who significantly influenced Christian thought. Basil's feast day is celebrated on January 1 in the Western Church and on January 30 in the Eastern Orthodox Church.