Sfântul Vasile cel Mare – dascăl al filantropiei
Saint Basil the Great - teacher of philanthropy

Summary/Abstract: The present study aims to highlight the concept of philanthropy in the writings of Saint Basil the Great, the manner in which it was materialized during the lifetime of the Great Cappadocian Father and its relevance for the mission of the Orthodox Church in contemporary society. The main themes which the sermons of Saint Basil the Great have approached refer to the man as a social being and philanthropy as a result of the communion of love, following the Trinitarian model. The study aims to show that the philanthropy-centered discourse of Saint Basil the Great would not have any impact if it weren’t reinforced by the personal example, when he shared to the poor all his own wealth and built a whole philanthropic complex on the outskirts of Caesarea. Regarding the importance of Saint Basil’s writings for the current life of the Church, the study points out that the great Father of the Church was actively involved in the social life and tried, with audacity and perseverance, to denounce and correct its inequalities. Acting in this way, he proved to be a leader of the Church whose spiritual, administrative and moral authority was so great that it could no longer be ignored or challenged by the authorities of the state.

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