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”
As Great as Basil was, I voted for Lydia as a representative of all of the faithful stewards of God. Lydia was a successful and honorable businesswoman in the days when independent women's occupations were generally limited to something that would qualify one to be a guest on the Jerry Springer Show.
As a progressive woman, she also serves to redeem Paul from the charges of sexism. To me, she proves that all of the haustafeln of the deutero-Pauline letters (slaves, wives be obedient, etc.) was never written by Paul, but by the conservatives of the next generation trying to reel in his radical Christian views to make them acceptable to the general populace.
If Paul weren't progressive on women's issues, Lydia would have never been his greatest supporter. Without her support, Paul's journeys would have never happened, Christianity might never have gotten to the UK, and I might be a Druid.
Voting for Basil in honor of my brother, who took that as his baptismal name when he was re-baptized into the Orthodox church.
And speaking of the Protecting Veil, here is a link to the late Sir John Tavener's piece of the same name, performed by YoYo Ma: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=022lNxhAEec. But even though it's a favorite piece, and basil is a favorite herb, I still cast my vote (once and only once!) for Lydia.
I flipped a coin on this one, I like them both. The toss gave me Basil, but I won’t be heartbroken if Lydia wins. (My original choice for the Golden Halo lost in the first round.)
Lydia has a theme song! One that I may never get out of my head.
http://www.pandora.com/justin-roberts-liam-davis-childrens/why-not-sea-monsters-songs-from-new-testament/lydia
"I'm not kidding ya. Lydia."
Thank you for sharing this. 🙂 Definitely fits into the kitsch category.
We're not getting rid o' ya! Love it!
Ok the REAL contest of the day is tonight.GO LADY IRISH. Sorry for the non-topic comment but this cradle Episcopalian shares her bracket enthusiasm with the women's NCAA. May Muffet and her Notre Dame women win the championship
For the biologically minded, the thing that may be a snail depicted on the Lydia pendent (Helix?) is not the same type as those used to milk the dye (various Muricidae). For the graphically minded, the design is circular not a whirl as one would expect for a snail, and it appears on the back of pendants of some other saints.
Voting for Lydia. If she had not supported the early church would there have been a Council of Nicaea where Constantine arrived "resplendent in purple and gold"? Purple for Lent!
The basil in my herb garden did not survive the winter.
The purple of my crocus came back bright.
I am not big on religious disputes bitter.
Planting church is how we spread the light;
and what Lydia got profoundly right;
so I vote for her kitsch which is just out-of-sight!
I love the Nicene Creed and cannot imagine church without it. I also love basil, so this was an easy vote (and I'm still concerned about whether those snails were humanely treated before they gave their lives for purple dye!)
Basil goes with everything!!
While not precisely kitsch, this is evidence that being an Old Dead Guy does not stop Basil from having a formative impact on the lives of young women.
http://www.stbasilacademy.org/
It sounds as if the Cathedral (now museum) in Moscow has an identity crisis. Which is it? Cathedral of the Protecting Veil of the Mother of God,or the Cathedral of St. Vasily the Blessed? Or was Ivan trying to kill two birds with one cathedral?
I can't forgive Basil for besting Christina the Astonishing (too bad we can't see what kitsch she has!), and besides, as a needlewoman in many types of crafts, I have to go with the cloth dyer.
Peace
Christine
Ditto on Basil beating Christina, Cristine!
Basil all the way! I am still thinking about his quotes from the last round.
One word: purple. That is all.
Then there's the Newbery winner--From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Basil kitsch is never-ending?
I read all the comments after I voted and am still glad I stuck with Basil. The deciding factor for me was the Nicene Creed, which I dearly love.
:ydia has always been a choice of my heart, but today, it's Basil, by a head.
ps. It's not nice to tease the constituents with great kitch when said kitch is not available readily. Sources, please.
Super churchy...no way. But I did go to Russia once and when they say prayers in those incredible cathedrals, the Russians cross themselves at the end of each prayer touching the floor after the forehead. Halfway through the Service I tried it
too ( there's nowhere to sit) and the locals smiled at me warmly for doing it their way. I'm going for Basil this time. Is that kitchy enough?
You bet it is!!!! I am not,as young or "agile"(har har har de har) as I used to be,
I doff my plumed hat to you.
Love this round!! There's also a wonderful children's book by Marty Rhodes Figley simply called "Lydia." Thanks for Groucho, John Taverner, and the hammered dulcimer as well. Great kitsch, everybody!!
oops 'kitschy' I should spell it, right?
Unless we want to talk about cooking some more! Episcopalians are always cooking and we're also known to drink a little wine! Cheers everybody!
Hey, we could try purple wine! Umm... Maybe not. Madamesenora has a point.
I am making pasta for dinner tonight,
WITH TOMATO BASIL SAUCE.
Yum! Good karma too.
A vote for scungillydia, though the off-color version of the song almost ruined it for me:
O Lydia! Oy Lydia!
You gave me chlamydia
oh dear.... an other close one. I voted for Basil, but I'm not so invested in this one. I'm still mourning the loss if Thomas M. And the resulting scandal. What are you thinking folks!!!???
OK, I was waffling, but the Muppets clip clinched it for Lydia (there's a horrible almost-a-pun in there, I think, but we'll go on). To make up for it, I'll put basil in my pasta primavera tonight. They're both awesome people!
Basil's writing on prayer causes me to vote for him in another round. Basil is the only herb we grow in our (mostly) flower garden.
I don't believe the snails felt a thing when their little shells were smushed to smithereens, therefore I have no pangs of anguish to suffer and not one iota of guilt about the purple dye that oozed out of their teeny-tiny remains. Having said that, the Lydia doll complete with her teeny-tiny basket just ensured that I made the right voting choice. The Groucho and Muppet videos along with the kitschy doll further validated my choice..."Lydia...Oh, Lydia...la-la-la..." May the next round of voting be as easy! Basil who ?????
Lydia the church builder wins my vote again. I think Basil the Great would agree that Lydia's hospitality and her work building the church were awesome prayers that she offered to God. After all, Basil wrote that "we should not express our prayer merely in syllables, but also through the attitude of our soul and in the virtuous actions we do in our life."
I am in EfM and still recovering from Gibeah story in Judges. I like onions, and I love pesto, but must vote Lydian: women to the purple! Advance!
Aleathia, I truly hope that those poor snails didn't feel anything when their shells were unmercifully pounded to Kingdom Come, but as an animal lover, that really grossed me out! I mean come on! Can't purple dye be manufactured these days without resorting to such cruel measures?!?!
Jeeeez Louise!!!!!
Aha!!! I just googled this and learned that snails have a nervous system and therefore feel pain!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dear St. Francis of assissi, please cover yer eyes!
Madeleine, are you a vegetarian? Just curious.