Founders
Our Founders
The spiritual legacy of Saint Basil the Great and Saint Macrina
Saint Basil the Great
Father of monastic life in community
St. Basil was born around 329 in Cappadocia. After studying in Athens, he embraced an ascetic life and founded one of the first Christian communities rooted in prayer, simplicity, and service. As bishop, he created the Basileiad to care for the poor and sick, and taught that no one should live only for himself.
Life lived in community is more advantageous in many respects... We are not self-sufficient, but need each other.
A model of consecrated life
Saint Macrina the Younger
Born in 324, Macrina was the eldest sister of St. Basil. From wealth, she embraced a life of poverty and prayer, dedicating herself to the care of the poor and the sick.
She inspired her brothers — Basil and Gregory of Nyssa — to pursue a deeper Christian life.
Her home became the first monastery of women in the Christian East, where community life, silence, and service were lived in harmony.
“You became all for each one, so you could gain them all for Christ.”
A Legacy that Crosses Centuries
From silent roots to a living tree
4th Century
The Beginning of Basilian Monasticism
In Cappadocia, Saints Basil and Macrina form the first Christian communities based on communal prayer, simplicity, and acts of love — a model for future monastic life.
1951
Unification of the Global Basilian Order
The Holy See creates a single General Curia for Basilian Sisters, uniting independent branches into one congregation and strengthening their shared global mission.
1037
First Women’s Monastery in Kyiv
Monastic life reaches Kyiv with Prince Yaroslav’s founding of a Basilian convent, where women embrace prayer, education, and service as a form of witness and preservation.
Today
A Global Presence of Prayer and Service
Present in 12 countries, the Basilian Sisters serve through catechesis, liturgy, and charity — continuing a legacy of prayer, formation, and faithful dedication to others.
Their Spirit Lives in Us
The Charism We Carry Forward Today
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A Praying Presence
Basilians live a life rooted in contemplation of the Scriptures and shaped by the rhythm of the Divine Office, Divine Liturgy and personal encounter with Christ -
A Healing Presence
Being with those wounded in body and soul, Basilians heal through listening, education, and silent service that radiates the love of Christ. -
A Life-Giving Presence
Wherever a Basilian is, life flourishes. Basilians are sowers of the faith and witness to God´s love in every time, place, and circumstance. -
A Bridges of Hope
Their lives are signs that God has forgotten no one, that God is with us!
Support our mission. Discover our communities. Listen to your calling
Walk with Us in Faith
Wherever you are on your journey, there is a place for you in the story we continue to write — one of love, service, and light in the world.