Orthodox Christians who follow the Julian calendar celebrate on January 14 Saint Basil the Great, bishop of Caesarea, one the greatest hierarchs of the Christian Church. His main work is the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great, which is officiated 10 times a year, on the Great Feasts and on Sundays during the Great Lent, IPN reports.
On this day, Saint Basil's prayers are read, which happens only on rare occasions. After the Divine Liturgy in the morning, the priests throw corn or wheat seeds among the believers, wishing them health and good luck in the new year. The children also go “sowing” (similar to caroling) from house to house to wish a rich harvest.
Saint Basil the Great was born in 329 AD, in a pious family, to parents Emmelia and Basil and was one of 10 children. He and two of this brothers, Peter of Sebaste and Gregory of Nyssa, became bishops. Five of the family members became monks, and 6 became saints: the 3 bishops, Macrina the Younger, Macrina the Elder (St. Basil's grandmother) and Emmelia (St. Basil's mother).
