Feastday: March 22
Death: 362
Martyr for the faith and opponent of Arianism. Basil was a priest of Ancyra, in Galatia. He defended Bishop Marcellus there when the prelate was deposed by the Arians. Basil was then caught up in the persecution of Emperor Julian the Apostate. He was tortured and slain for preaching to the people.
Basil of Ancyra (Βασίλειος), was a Christian priest in Ancyra, Galatia during the 4th century. Very meager information about his life is preserved in a metaphrastic work: “Life and Deeds of the Martyred Priest Basil.” He fought against the pagans and the Arians. Basil defended Bishop Marcellus against the prelate being deposed by the Arians.
Suda write that he was the bishop of Ancyra and physician by trade.
Basil was caught up in the persecution of Julian the Apostate. He was arrested, tortured, and executed on June 28/29, 362.
He is commemorated as a martyr on March 22 in the West and East. He is sometimes confused with the other Basil of Ancyra who was not a priest and who is commemorated on January 1.
