Holding A Saint!

Mar 01, 2009 by Fr Luke Palumbis

Over two years ago, when the process of locating a relic of Saint Basil the Great began, the prospect of receiving a relic of our Patron Saint seemed distant and perhaps even theoretical.  As the journey progressed, the theory declined, and the reality of this historic blessing began to seem tangible.  Yet as this history journey began to approach with an even more rapid pace—nothing could prepare me for the experience of actually receiving the relic of the Heaven Revealer, and holding it in my hands!

It was our second day on the island of Cyprus, and after visiting numerous churches and monasteries, the day was quickly coming to a close.  A humble, hieromonk invited Father Chris Flesoras, the proistamenos of Saint Anna Greek Orthodox Church in Roseville, CA, and me into his cell.  Knowing that I was to receive the relic of Saint Basil and actually receiving it were two completely separate experiences.  I felt like a child again as I sat on a small bench and waited for the pious monk to address us.  Feeling like I child, I was blessed, remembering the words of Jesus Christ, ‘...unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3)  I knew this was due to the peaceful presence of the saint; “When inner peace is achieved, a thousand souls around will be saved.” (Saint Seraphim of Sarov) 

Simply and humbly, the monk called me to his desk, placed the relic in my hand, and said, “Saint Basil the Great.”  After kissing his hand, my eyes were filled with tears as I venerated the bone of our Patron and Intercessor!  I simply stood next to the desk in awe for several moments before sitting again on the small bench, with the relic of this great 4th Century saint in my hands.  No words were uttered for a period of time, until our benefactor asked me a simple question, “Father Luke, are you happy?”  Trying to explain that I had no words to express my happiness, I simply gave this holy man a giant hug and repeated the words, ‘thank you.’ 

Now our Patron’s relic is safe in a secured location, awaiting presentation to our community from our Spiritual Father and Arch-Shepherd, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos. 

This living piece of Christian history has journeyed from the rugged mountainous region of Cappadocia, where Saint Basil was from, to the valley floor of Stockton, CA—having blessed and having been venerated by millions along the way.  We are now a part of this beautiful chapter of Christian history!  May it inspire each and every one of us to follow in the footsteps of our Patron Saint Basil the Great, and intensely further our commitment to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

Holy Father Basil intercede for us!