In a historic move, the Romanian Orthodox Church has proposed the canonization of the family of Saint Basil the Great, one of the most revered figures in Christian history. The proposal was made during a Synod meeting held at the Patriarchal residence in Bucharest, led by His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel of Romania. The Synod suggested the establishment of a feast day to honor the entire family of Saint Basil as a model of Christian life and holiness.

The Patriarch emphasized the importance of this family in the upcoming 2026 year, which the Romanian Church will dedicate to the Christian family. "In the family of Saint Basil the Great, there were eight members canonized by various churches, especially the Church of Greece. We want to adopt this celebration and present this family as a model of holy living," said Patriarch Daniel.

Saint Basil the Great, a 4th-century theologian, ascetic, and Church leader, is one of the most revered Fathers of the Church. He is honored as a saint by Orthodox, Catholic, and other Christian denominations. Born around 330 AD in a distinguished Christian family in Cappadocia, Saint Basil's legacy is deeply intertwined with his family’s devotion and faith. Many of his relatives have also been canonized for their exemplary Christian lives.

Among those recognized are Basil’s mother, Saint Emilia, revered as a model of Christian motherhood. His sister, Saint Macrina, became a monastic and was the abbess of a convent, greatly influencing her brothers. Another brother, Saint Gregory of Nyssa, made significant contributions to Christian theology, particularly in relation to the doctrine of the Trinity and the Nicene Creed. Another brother, Saint Peter of Sebaste, founded a monastic community and supported their mother in her monastic endeavors. Basil's father, also named Basil, was a renowned rhetorician and lawyer who provided his children with an excellent education, preparing them for careers in secular life. Basil the Elder is also venerated in the Church of Greece, where his feast day is celebrated alongside his wife. Additionally, the Greek Orthodox Church venerates Basil’s grandmother, Saint Macrina the Elder, who was a disciple of Saint Gregory Thaumaturgus and suffered during the Diocletianic persecutions.

Patriarch Daniel also announced that as part of the Church’s "Year of Christian Family," efforts are underway to canonize several women ascetics. While the names of these women were not disclosed, the Patriarch revealed that preparations for their canonization, including the creation of hymns, icons, and canonical acts, are currently being carried out in eight dioceses across Romania.

Additionally, the Patriarch mentioned the possible canonization of four Romanian Athonite ascetics. This autumn, the Romanian Church plans to add the following figures to the list of saints: Elder Dionysius of Colciu, Elder Nectarius of Athos (nicknamed the "Nightingale of Mount Athos"), Father Petronius of Tănase, and Elder Niphon, the first abbot of the Romanian Prodromou Skete on Mount Athos.

The proposed canonization of Saint Basil’s family marks a significant step in the Romanian Orthodox Church’s efforts to promote the sanctity of the Christian family and highlight the legacy of holiness within one of the most influential Christian households in history. The decision has garnered attention from both theologians and laypeople alike, who view it as a call to reflect on the role of family in the Christian faith.