FAMILY SAINTS - SAINTS JULIAN AND BASILISSA | KAIROS GLOBAL | JULY 2019

Author: Joseph Santhosh & Bijie Santhosh

In the case of Julian and Basilissa, the established fact of their holy deaths, commemorated since ancient time (around 4^th century), has been embroidered with numerous later details. The outline of the story is that Julián and Basilissa were a Christian husband and wife of wealth from Antinoe, Egypt.

From the beginning of their marriage, Julian convinced Basilissa to join him in a vow of virginity. The two used their riches to found a monastery for men and a convent for women. Many of their well rich and well-off friends joined them there in a life of fasting and assiduous prayer.

During Emperor Diocletian’s rule, Basilissa and her nuns were imprisoned and executed. Then Julián’s monastery was emptied by imperial soldiers. He displayed great courage when he was plunged into a barrel of burning pit, thus converting the governor’s son, Celsius. Later, Julian died by the sword and Celsius and his mother Marcianilla joined him in martyrdom. Mother and son are commemorated with Julian and Basilissa on 9 January.

A 5th century fresco in Saint Paul’s Outside the Walls in Rome shows all four saints. An 18th century painting in Valladolid, Spain, has Julian and Basilissa facing martyrdom together, grasping a single lily between them, the emblem of their virginal promises. In today’s society, we have a number of challenges, persecutions, temptations which can be compared with that the early couple faced. It is important that we have a clear mission for each couple which through prayer, fasting and sacrifice we must embrace and not be complacent.

The divine power that flows from a loving couple is so impactful on the society. And they did what they did because of love, Lk 6:35, not for money or any kind of reward. They converted their home to a hospital and served. 

Prayer: Our merciful Father, through the intercession of Saints Julian and Basilissa, help me to remain true to my marriage vows of love and holiness.

(Feast Celebrated on January 9th)