It's a big day in Lent Madness 2014 as, after a long and winding road, we have made it to the Round of the Elate Eight. The original field of 32 saints has been narrowed to eight. The light at the end of the Golden Halo is slowly emerging and by the end of the week we'll be down to the Faithful Four.
Yesterday we wrapped up the Saintly Sixteen in a tight race that Lent Madness bracketologists say will go down in history as the closest battle ever.
NOTE: We closed the poll at 8:00 am. Once the Supreme Executive Committee has certified the results, we will announce the winner later this morning -- either Charles Wesley or Thomas Merton. In the interest of fairness and the love of Jesus, we will make sure this is a clean election before proceeding.
We begin this round with Basil the Great vs. Lydia. Basil made it this far by defeating Christina the Astonishing and Antony of Egypt. Lydia advanced by besting Moses the Black ad John of the Cross. The other match-ups of this round are Phillips Brooks vs. Julia Chester Emery, Harriet Bedell vs. Harriet Beecher Stowe, and Anna Cooper vs. Thomas Merton or Charles Wesley.
The Elate Eight is also known as the Saintly Kitsch round. After basic biographies, quotes and quirks, what else could there be? There are always some folks who take offense to this approach -- we call them Kitsch Kranks and have written about this phenomenon in years past. This is not to belittle or demean our saintly heroes but to have some fun and gaze in wide wonder at the breadth of devotional practice. So kindly relax and enjoy the spirit of the Madness as we push ever onward to our goal.
After a one week hiatus due to Lent Madness missionary journeys, Tim and Scott returned with their latest Monday Madness video. And Archbishops John and Tom, fresh off their national television debut, offer their Daily Update as they preview today's contest and answer viewer mail. There are just so many ways to immerse yourself in the Madness!
Basil the Great
Basil the Great: Cappadocian Father; opposer of not one but two heresies; advocate for the Nicene Creed (or what would eventually become the Creed); sibling to saints; founder of communal monasticism, composer of prayers, Doctor of the Church; revealer of Heavenly Mysteries; advocate of the poor and needy; and generally all-around nice guy.
Yes, that Basil.
Because of his work to reform (or change...but isn’t "reform" a much snazzier word?) the Church, heis the patron saint of reformers, monastics, and Russia (where the venerated St. Basil’s Cathedral resides, but more on that later).
So, if you’re thinking about suggesting that the way we’ve always done things may not be the best way or if you want to nail a few theses on a church door, you may want to wear this lovely medal as a reminder that the spirit of Basil is with you. This and body armor may protect you. May...
Arianism, the heresy that Jesus was begotten of God, not eternal with God, was a big controversy in Basil’s day. Legend says that Arian and his supporters had this cheer used at the Council of Nicaea: "If you want the logos doctrine I can serve it cold or hot: God begot him, but before he was begotten he was not!”
Should you find yourself in a dispute with heretical Christians about the true nature of Christ, you can simply wear this shirt as you recite the Nicene Creed, even if they do have a better cheer.
Moscow’s Red Square, one of the most stunning buildings is the Cathedral of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God, aka the Cathedral of St. Vasily the Blessed aka St. Basil’s Cathedral. Over 450 years old ago, Ivan the Terrible ordered the Cathedral constructed. The design was so original, legend has it that Ivan blinded the architect so he couldn’t re-create another like it (apparently that Terrible moniker wasn’t for show).
The Russian Basil is not Basil the Great, but rather Basil, the Fool for 
Christ who shoplifted and gave to the poor. But since it’s a rather uncommon name for a saint and a stunning Cathedral (now officially a museum), take a look.
And, since you can’t take the Cathedral home with you, there’s a nifty wall decal you can put in your foyer to impress family and visitors.
Should you be victim of a dastardly deed in Victorian England...and be a mouse, you can always call on Basil the Great Mouse Detective. He catches criminal, solves hijinks, and plays the violin and chess. No information could be found on his particular viewpoint on Arianism, but given his moniker, we will believe he could recite the Nicene Creed with gusto in a crisp British accent. His story is available in the Basil of Baker Street books by Eve Titus or in film in The Great Mouse Detective by Disney. He is not, alas, included in the Lent Madness Book of Saints.
Basil is from the Greek βασιλεύς basileus, meaning "king.” Basil’s parents had high expectations when
they named their son, expectations he lived up to. Basil is well-known outside Lent Madness circles as a popular herb, legal in all 50 states. There are over 160 varieties, and while its leaves are the most well-used part, its seeds are soaked into a gelatinous goo and added to certain drinks and desserts in Asian cuisine. Native to India for over 5,000 years, it was known and used in the ancient world for medicinal and culinary uses. Who knows, maybe Basil ate basil?
-- Laurie Brock
Lydia
Lydia, while being your basic Patron Saint of Mystery when it comes to miracles, legends and basic life stories, nevertheless has inspired much devotional material the world over.
You can buy postcards of the church in Philippi where she was baptized, to gaze at adoringly, and to
plan your next vacation. (Which will be Lent Madness themed, of course.)
You can also buy a necklace with a tasteful icon of Lydia on the front. On the back appears what looks like to me a snail shell motif, which just raises so many questions. Is it commenting on Lydia’s profession as a Milker of Snails? Is it seeking to reconcile her to the marine crustaceans at last? Make your own judgments here.
Speaking about marine crustaceans, are you curious about those snails that Lydia used for dye? Apparently, so is the rest of the world. This Italian restaurant in Toms River, New Jersey, formulated an appetizer using those very snails, and you, too, can make it at home, for the full Saint Lydia experience. (Provided, of course, you can find the snails somewhere, and you are a very good and well-trained chef.) No word on whether they turn your mouth purple.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTudWg5pS54
Next, we have not one, but two, versions of Lydia as a doll for children. One is made of felt, and even comes complete with a tiny basket, filled with rolls of dyed purple fabric.
The other is a peg doll, suitable for even the tinest would-be church planters.
Buy them for your children and your grandchildren! Have them act out Lydia’s life: planting churches, assuming egalitarian leadership roles, and donating massive wealth to the struggling Christian community!
What better role model for the little ones than St. Lydia!
Vote!
[poll id="101"]
155 comments on “Basil the Great vs. Lydia”
I knew this contest would be tough, but I went with basil in the end. He has a much cooler church and as spring approaches I'm really craving some pesto.
But technically it is not his church. Therefore, Lydia all the way! Plus, any woman who could both run a family and a business in addition to planting a church is truly worthy of sainthood!
No, no, people! It's "Lydia, Oh Lydia, oh HAVE YOU MET Lydia?" Honestly, get your minds out of the gutter...
Or is that mine in...oh, never mind.
(laughter)
I feel Lydia leading me toward God today. Purple dolls, a snail recipe in a restaurant behind a New Jersey 7-Eleven and a necklace with snail art. Lent Madness is nothing if not creative! Go, Lydia!
I love the Basil write up, and it nearly swayed me (I use basil in everything I cook!) . But I vote for Lydia with the thought that for a woman to be included in the canonical texts, she was likely more important to early Christianity than we know.
Even though the Nicene Creed is 'the too-abridged version' (Jesus life between birth and death isn't worth a mention?), we know Basil's influence was vast. Lydia? Insufficient data.
I agree, Susan...that's why I voted for Basil.
I love kitsch!!!! I want a St. Basil medal. Also, a shout-out to Mark D for posting this Marx brothers video.
Groucho's stellar performance notwithstanding, I had to stick with my original choice
Basil for the golden halo! :-)!!!
Maybe my lady Lydia will win this one.
Another bit of Lydia "kitsch" to add: The anti aging face cream and serum my sister sent me for Christmas not only come in purple containers but also contain "pro-biotic snail serum" (mixed with lots of other fragrant essences). Hmmmm.... (I voted for Basil anyway.)
*like*
I love the kitsch round. So much fun! Lydia, Lydia, she's my girl!
St. Vasily's Cathedral is beautiful, but that was a whole different Basil - no fair taking advantage of other Basils' kitsch (or architecture)! I have to go with the female church planter on this one - a kindred spirit. Go Lydia!
I noted it was a different Basil in the post.
Where can I buy the Basil Shirt? Must have the Basil shirt as a gift for a friend! Oh, and I voted for Basil!
Click here. It comes in an array of colors. Enjoy!
http://foodtshop.com/view/1274410/this-guy-loves-basil-funny-food-t-shirt
Purely aside from herbs or snails, and with little interest in touting female saints, I went with Lydia mainly because I've never been a great fan of the appallingly fierce controversies over fine points of Christology that Basil seemed so embroiled in--all this business of schisms over the filioque clause and consubstantiality and councils here and there to argue about them (and rumor has it there were fist-fights on the floor of one of the councils)--there are better ways to do ministry, Basil. Nobody much cares except theologians.
Between the basil and the snails this should really be called the Kitsch-en round. Lent Madness -- feeding our souls AND bodies since 2010.
Voting Lydia today because anyone associated with "extra virgin" is probably super holy (and mostly because of her life example as laid out in previous blogs).
Basil medallion looks like he may also be patron saint of the Ood (http://www.bbcamerica.com/doctor-who/monsters/the-ood/).,,not that there's anything wrong with that. But Lydia today, for me.
Anthony.....fist fights? Really?
Oh, the ignominy!!
Not a fan of Basil, with his emphasis on keeping Those People out.
Oooh, snarky ...
Nice! Thanks for posting; was hoping somebody would....
Kitsch is delightful but Basil's efforts to clarify the faith taught by the Apostles was a necessary effort to keep the Christian community together. There is no documented evidence that Basil was involved in any of the fist fights! "I cannot persuade myself that without love to others, and without, as far as rests with me, peaceableness toward all, I can be called a worthy servant of Jesus Christ."
- Saint Basil
Lydia for me. I have some purple yarn and I know I can crochet a Lydia for the Lent Madness hall of fame this year.
Loved the little dolls.
Another tough match, but I gave Lydia a bye on the snails and voted for her. She was an accomplished and successful business woman, and she used her money for a purpose that continues to benefit us today.
Ok, it's been a real nail-biter today! First Lydia ahead by a hair, then Basil....come on,,people......
Ok, you guys are just getting silly. I went with Lydia this time because I feel the Church today is in more need of a generous, welcoming church planter than an intellectual who gets distracted by man's definition of God.
I couldn't find a way to fit this into our allotted space, but here's a video of the beautiful St. Basil's Hymn. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2yTqCfxbRfM#t=65
Hi Laurie, thanks for posting, very nice!
Go Basil!!
While I understand the role of Lydia in the founding of the church at Philippi, I voted for Basil because of his role in the Nicene Creed. Without any good reason, I just felt the creeds are more central to the church universal. That is not to discount that the church at Philippi was the beginnings of Christianity in Europe. The kitsch in either case while interesting was not really a persuasive argument for either. Difficult decision.
I am just glad that the voter fraud from the last round was straightened out!
Thanks for the link, Laurie. That was beautiful.
Whoa. Hard decision today. But had to go with Basil......
Onion domes on roman candles
Burst festive restive heavenward urge
Dimly downward so illumined
Basiliad is doing Church.
Poverty unbidden with that bid and won
Joint appointed ointment salve
The least of these, uncreated beings
Dwell in mires and spires, consubstancive.
The original Hull House, Caesarea's New City.
http://www.incommunion.org/2008/12/07/building-the-new-city-st-basil%E2%80%99s-social-vision/
Basil, Basil, he's my saint, If not his Halo, for none it ain't.
Groucho is definitely persuasive, but I'm sticking with Basil partly in honor of the first Basil I ever knew and had a first-grade crush on. Of course, in NC, we called him Base-ul.
I voted for Basil because of the way he stood up to the Emperor's threats: "When the prefect, stunned by Basil’s defiance, said he’d never heard a bishop speak like that to him, Basil simply replied, 'Perhaps you’ve never met a real bishop before.'" Given that ideological persecution, torture, exile, and death are the lot of so many people in the world even today, we need the courageous example of this uppity bishop!
Random thought: is Basil's name where we get the word "basilica"?
No, basilica comes from Greek for the "tribunal chamber of a king"! In its religious usage, the king is Christ the King, of course!
Basil is from the Greek word for "king," so yes, we get basilica from the same root. Also the same root for basilisk, meaning "little king" and was the legendary reptile who was the king of serpents (also of Harry Potter fame). Again, info I couldn't fit into the post. BUT I'M SHARING IN THE COMMENTS!
I believe that the question was whether basilica comes from the name Basil. Just a minor point, but both the name and basilica, and as you point out basilisk and the spice basil, all come from the same Greek roots. But basilica does not come from the name Basil! Common origins, yes, but not named for! Just a little clarification.
What I said...
Welcome to God's Frozen People--NOT!! from a fellow adult-onset Episcopalian. We got here as fast as we could!
Me too! It has been 8 years now and I have loved every day of it. Wish I had found the Episcopal church years ago but maybe I wasn't listening hard enough!
Carol, I agree. Should have done this years ago. Oh well, better late than never!
All the worship, none of the guilt!
For me it's been almost 35 years. Forward day by day (does that sound familiar?).
As another laywoman who is totally invested in the Church, I'm sticking with Lydia. I'll be ordering my doll today!
Oh where, oh where, can I get that nifty little peg Lydia doll? I voted for her, shouldn't one of them be coming to me for that?
Here: Here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/175255715/saint-lydia-of-thyatira-seller-of-purple
And Basil supporters can get one for him, too.
While I understand the role of Lydia in the founding of the church at Philippi, I voted for Basil because of his role in the Nicene Creed. Without any good reason, I just felt the creeds are more central to the church universal. That is not to discount that the church at Philippi was the beginnings of Christianity in Europe. The kitsch in either case while interesting was not really a persuasive argument for either. Difficult decision.
I am just glad that the voter fraud from the last round was straightened out!
Is anybody else jonesing for Italian food now? It was a tough choice, but I think the kitsch was more relevant to Lydia.
I would have voted for Lydia anyway, but as Basil defeated my favorite Christina the Astonishing, it's payback time!!!!