Saint Basil was 4th-century saint who served as the Archbishop of Caesarea and Cappadocia (present-day Turkey). He is known for his work as a theologian and for his care for the poor, sick, and underprivileged.

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During the severe drought of 369, Saint Basil delivered a series of sermons on wealth and possessions, emphasizing that property is not something we truly own but something entrusted to our care. In his sermon "On Greed," he warned:

 

"The one who does not clothe the naked is a robber, the cloak you keep locked in your closet belongs to the naked, the shoe that molders in your possession belongs to the person with no shoes, the silver that you have buried belongs to the person in need. You do an injury to as many people as you might have helped with all these things."

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Saint Basil did more than preach about social justice and economic equality. As bishop, he established the Basiliad—a vast complex that provided lodging for guests and needy travelers, medical and hospice care for the sick, and employment or vocational training for the poor who were able to work.​