Saint Martyr Basil lived in Ankara. He was known for his strong character. He was arrested during the reign of Emperor Julian the Apostate. He confessed his faith in Christ and was brought before the governor Saturninus. When questioned, he courageously declared that there is no other deity but the one and only Triune God. For his stance, he was punished and endured severe torture. His body was hung and brutally beaten.
After this, the saint was sent to Constantinople, where he suffered terrible torments. Eventually, he was thrown into the fire, from which—by the power of the Divine Grace—he emerged unharmed. He was then sent to Caesarea, where he was condemned to death and cast before wild beasts. Praying, he patiently awaited the crown of martyrdom, which he received when he was given over to the teeth of a lioness.
His relatives and friends took his sacred relics, anointed them with rich fragrances, and buried them with honor. Later, a church was built in his honor at the site of his tomb .
