Editing Basil of Caesarea (section)

==Influence on Monasticism==
Through his examples and teachings Basil effected a noteworthy moderation in the austere practices which were previously characteristic of monastic life.<sup>[]</sup> He is also credited with coordinating the duties of work and prayer to ensure a proper balance between the two.<sup>[]</sup>

Basil is remembered as one of the most influential figures in the development of [[Christian monasticism]]. Not only is Basil recognized as the father of Eastern monasticism; historians recognize that his legacy extends also to the Western church, largely due to his influence on Benedict.<sup>[]</sup> Patristic scholars such as Meredith assert that Benedict himself recognized this when he wrote in the epilogue to his ''Rule'' that his monks, in addition to the Bible, should read "the confessions of the Fathers and their institutes and their lives and the ''Rule of our Holy Father, Basil.''<sup>[]</sup> Basil's teachings on monasticism, as encoded in works such as his ''Small Asketikon'', was transmitted to the west via [[Tyrannius Rufinus|Rufinus]] during the last 4th century.<sup>[]</sup>

As a result of Basil's influence, numerous religious orders in Eastern Christianity bear his name. In the Roman Catholic Church, the Basilian Fathers, also known as [[The Congregation of St. Basil]], an international order of priests and students studying for the priesthood, is named after him.<!---this section needs LOTS of expanding. Will need to discuss how he is the Father of Eastern monasticism and how he influenced Western monasticism.--->