St Basil the Confessor, Bishop of Parios
Commemorated April 12
St Basil the Confessor lived during the eighth century. He was elected as bishop by the inhabitants of Parios, who venerated the Saint as a true pastor of the flock of Christ.
When the Iconoclast heresy broke out, St Basil resolutely came out on the side of icon veneration and refused to sign the orders for their abolition (the "Iniquitous Scroll" of the Council of 754 AD, which was convened under the emperor Constantine V Copronymos (741-775 AD). The Saint avoided any contact with the heretics and did not permit them into his diocese. For his zeal, he suffered much persecution, hunger and deprivation.
St Basil remained faithful to the Orthodox Church until he finally reposed in peace.
Dismissal Hymn (Fourth Tone)
The truth of things have revealed you to your flock as a rule of faith, an icon of meekness, and a teacher of temperance; for this cause, you have achieved the heights by humility, riches by poverty. O Father and Hierarch Basil, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved.
Kontakion (Sixth Tone)
You royally served the King of all, O holy Hierarch Basil. You revealed divine truths and become a whole burnt offering. To those who honour you your cry, “The honour given to the icon ascends to Christ”.