Venerable Basilisk the Hesychast of Siberia
The Lord said: "Amen, I say to you, unless you turn and become as children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3). For many, at first glance, this appears easy to follow. Yet only God's chosen few, among them Basilisk of Siberia, who attained spiritual infancy by his ascetical contests (podvigs) and the unceasing Jesus Prayer, a complete lack of malice and absence of exaltation, a profound awareness of his own infirmity, and the need for God's intercession at every moment. Venerable Basilisk's path toward this summit lay through heavy sorrows and temptations.
The ascetic Basilisk (Basil, in the world) was born circa 1740 into the family of peasants in the village of Ivanish, Kalyazinsk Uyezd, Tver Governorate. His parents, Gabriel and Stephania, raised their three sons in the fear of God. From childhood, young Basil knew work and hardship, and begging for alms. Later, he was a shepherd for a while. From a young age, he was distinguished by the simplicity of his heart, his love for God, and his humble disposition.
Not daring to oppose his father, Basil agreed to marry, but soon he left the family, with his wife's consent, and began to lead a monastic way of life, at first, in the world, and then in various monasteries. For some time, he lived as a hermit in the forests of Chuvashia. Basil tried to remain in constant prayer, he did not give in to his flesh, satiety, excessive drinking, and especially sleep, keeping vigil on the eves of all the Feast Days. If sleep began to overcome him, he would make prostrations, chop wood, or sing spiritual songs. And so he spent all the Feasts toiling to the point of exhaustion, for at that time he did not yet know of the Prayer of the heart or guarding the mind. When pilgrims visited him he received them all with kindness, but if anyone asked to live with him, he refused, saying that he was sinful and slothful, and that he had vowed to live in solitude. If the person insisted, Basil meekly replied, "We cannot live together, but if you wish, remain in my cell, and I shall go elsewhere."
Once one of the wandering brethren told Basil that Hieromonk Adrian,1 an experienced Elder of exalted life, was living in the Bryansk forests with his disciples. Basil, desiring to place himself under obedience to this skilled instructor, went to him at once. Indeed, this stage of the monastic life under Elder Adrian was something new for him. Basil succeeded in his ascetical contest of fasting and toil. Soon, like a vine which is grafted and bears its fruit in due season, Basil was tonsured into the mantiya by Elder Adrian with the name Basilisk. After a while, Father Adrian was summoned by Metropolitan Gabriel of St. Petersburg to restore Konevits Monastery, and all of his disciples followed him, but Father Basilisk stayed behind to live in the solitude which he loved. Now, however, he was attacked by many temptations and passions, such as he had never before experienced. He was frequently awakened at night by terrible voices which threatened him: "You are here all alone, and there are many of us. We shall destroy you."
He fell into despondency because of this unbearable horror. Moreover, his body grew weak and sore. He ate the simplest foods, even even the most distasteful. If he did accept offerings of food from those who revered him, he himself ate next to nothing, and distributed everything to others. The Elder also carved rough wooden spoons (though he did not know how to do this properly), and gave them to visitors who rejoiced and sacrificed unstintingly for these gifts which were so dear to them.
Such was the life of the humble monk Basilisk, who devoted all his time to prayer and asceticism. It was around this time that he met his future fellow ascetic and spiritual brother, Father Zosima (Verkhovsky), who at that time was still called Zachariah, and wanted to become a hermit. The young man was attracted by the eremitic life of the Bryansk monks, but most of all, his heart was drawn to Father Basilisk.
The Elder also loved him, and later he told him: "I have always asked the Lord to send me a spiritual friend, sincere, with a warm heart, one in soul with me, for it is difficult to live alone in silence. It has been said: "One who has the support of his brother, is like a fortified city" (Proverbs 18:19); and "Woe to him who is alone" (Ecclesiastes 4:10). So, I entreated God, but I did not dare to accept anyone, waiting until the Lord Himself, by means which He alone knew, would show me such a person. From the first time I met you, my soul became attached to you with such a strong love that it seemed as if I were being told that in you, the Lord was granting my request."
In order to experience the power of arbitrariness and the firmness of young Zachariah's intention, Basilisk blessed him to live first at the cenobitic Konevits Monastery, and three years later, with Father Adrian's blessing, he took him along with him to Konevits Monastery. Although he loved Zosima as his own soul, Basilisk would not consider him as a son and a disciple, seeing that he was already quite advanced in the monastic life. He realized that the young man had surpassed him in understanding and spiritual discretion. By studying and the enlightenment of his mind, Zosima had already acquired a greater knowledge of all the patristic writings. In addition, it was Zosima who revealed to Elder Basilisk the secret monastic treasure, explaining to him the teaching about the Prayer of the Heart. Aflame with zeal, Basilisk began to pray the Jesus Prayer, which he loved so much, and trained diligently, and its fruits were not slow to appear in this simple and humble heart which sincerely loved the Lord.
Father Zosima compiled a special manuscript "Concerning the Wondrous Spiritual Activity of Prayer in Elder Basilisk," wherein he diligently recorded all the ascetic's revelations. Not only did Father Basilisk trust him with the secrets of his heart, but he also read and corrected the manuscript. Purity of heart and profound humility before God and his neighbors allowed the Elder to attain the most exalted spiritual heights.
Repeatedly he was vouchsafed the illumination of a radiant light, and was able to behold the Savior and the Most Holy Theotokos, as well as visions of heavenly bliss and the torments of Hell. Once, in the delight of his spiritual love for the Lord he was caught up out of his body into the air, and enjoyed unspeakable sweetness and bliss. The truth of Elder Basilisk's experience was attested by Saint Ignatius (Brianchaninov), who, in Volume III of his ascetical writings, states that as far as he knew, during the XIX century only two monks were able to see their soul come out of the body, one of whom was Saint Basilisk.
With Father Adrian's blessing, Father Basilisk and Father Zosima spent about ten years near Konevits Monastery, engaging in monastic struggles, especially the Jesus Prayer. They helped many with their wise counsels; dozens of pilgrims visited the two ascetics, and everyone found good things in them, such as comfort and spiritual support. Father Basilisk often foresaw the changes to come in his life, or in the lives of other people, which came to pass after a while.
Then for twenty years they struggled in a hermitage in the Siberian forest near the city of Kuznetsk. A certain pious peasant promised to bring them food all winter, and then lead them out of the taiga in the spring, before the rivers flooded. Spring came, but for some reason, the peasant did not come for them. Seeing that further waiting would be useless, the hermits decided to set out on their own. They believed that they had covered forty versts in just two or three days, but in fact, their journey took more than a week. After the first few days of their trek, they realized that they were completely lost, and they did not know which direction to take. The sky was covered with clouds, the wind was howling, and the sun did not appear at all. Submitting themselves to God's will, they travelled, sometimes guided by the sun, and on cloudy days, by the bark of trees. The bark of aspen trees is darker on the northern side, and lighter on the southern side.
Their clothing and footwear were worn out, the food supply was diminishing, and they had less and less strength left. Their path took them over mountains and through valleys without forests. Father Basilisk's snowshoes did not have tailpieces, so it was difficult for him to climb hills, and he often slid backwards, which exhausted him even more. Elder Zosima's snowshoes had tail-pieces, and so he pulled the sled by himself. One day a strong wind arose, and brought heavy snow and frost, which made it difficult for the monks to go on. Suddenly the leather straps on Elder Basilisk's snowshoes broke, but it was impossible to mend them during the icy snowstorm, and then it grew dark. They came to a group of small fir trees, and built a fire with some twigs. The wind kept putting the fire out, and so they got little sleep. The next day they came to a river which they had to cross. After the frost of the previous night, the water appeared to be frozen solid. Father Basilisk, who was shorter and lighter, crossed the river without difficulty. Father Zosima was heavier, and just before he reached the other side, and he fell through the ice and he began to sink, plunging chest deep into the water. Because his snowshoes were stuck in the ice and snow, Father Zosima could not bend over to undo the straps.
Elder Basilisk's strength was not sufficient to pull the drowning man out. "Then," Father Zosima recalled, "I was desperate to stay alive. Because of the straps, my feet were stuck in the snowshoes, and the snowshoes themselves were bogged down in the river, in the ice and snow. It was impossible for me to stand up and climb ashore, or to bend over and get my snowshoes out of the water. My Elder, seeing that I was trapped, did not know how to help. Then we cried out to the Mother of God: 'Most Holy Sovereign Lady Theotokos, now is the time for you to help.'
"I asked the Elder to give me his hand, telling him: 'Perhaps the Mother of God will have mercy on me if I hold onto your hand. If not, I will let go so that I do not pull you in as well, and I shall die here alone.'
Unexpectedly, Father Zosima stepped ashore with such ease and speed that it seemed he had not been in the water at all. He could not recall how his feet were freed from the snowshoes, which were secured by leather straps. He said, "For the sake of His Mother, our Sovereign Lady the Most Holy Theotokos, the Lord God wanted me to remain alive, so that I might reveal my Elder's abundant grace."
A few more days went by, and the exhausted travelers got up and moved forward, comforted by God's mercy, but even more exhausted by their adventure, they were unable to go on. Fortunately, Father Basilisk had flint and steel to make a spark to light the tinder. These items were not on the sled which Father Zosima was pulling, and that was quite soaked along with its entire load.
Finally, they saw the tracks of a dog, then a man's footprint, and at last a village appeared in the distance! Their joy was so great that they wept copious tears of gratitude toward God for preserving them throughout their many trials. They praised God, not only for sparing their lives, but also for preventing them from complaining and losing all hope in His mercy.
For a long time they remained in the village to rest. Elder Basilisk was paralyzed for more than two months, and he could neither drink nor eat, but gradually he regained his strength. The younger Father Zosima recovered faster and helped him in all things. They went to another village where they were given warm clothing. Then the two Elders were driven to the District Office, where they knew a clerk. They were not detained very long, and were driven to the city of Kuznetsk. There people also took care of them, but they were so weak that they could not eat normal food. For nearly two months they ate only light foods in small amounts. They remained at Kuznetsk for three months, until they regained their strength.
Elders Zosima and Basilisk lived in the wilderness for twenty-four years, but in 1799 the Elders, who were of one heart, soul, and mind, parted and lived in separate cells for the sake of greater silence. They found a suitable spot fifty versts from Kuznetsk. They refrained from visiting each other, preserving their solitude until Saturday, especially on Wednesday and Friday. On Sundays and Feast Days they would spend time together reading and having spiritual conversations, and strolling through their remote surroundings. In the spring, when there are not yet many herbs, they walked through various places in the forests, mountains and valleys, and did not return for two weeks, taking with them fire, a pot, and some crackers. Devout lovers of Christ occasionally visited the two Elders, and brought supplies to them.
They resolved not to accept any money from anyone, but only the simplest meager donations, such as food and clothing. The ascetics tried to repay them with their needlework. Father Basilisk made pottery, and Father Zosima made wooden dishes. Such was their outward life, but it is impossible to describe what took place in the depths of their souls, for no words can describe accurately the inner life of true desert dwellers. It has been said: "Those who dwell in the desert partake of a constant divine aspiration which is free of worldly care and confusion" (Anabathmoi Tone 1).
However, "having lit a candle, they did not place it under a bushel, but on a lampstand" (Matthew 5:15). It was pleasing to the Lord that since they had acquired the highest virtues, they should now labor for the salvation of others.
Anisya Kotokhova, from the city of Kuznetsk, wanted to live a monastic life. There were no monasteries nearby, and it was too far to go to Russia, and she decided to ask the Elders for spiritual guidance. They consented, and she subjected her own will to them. Anysia settled in a village on the banks of the Tom River, and other girls began gathering around her. Elder Basilisk often visited them, nurturing and instructing them in the monastic life, sometimes he sent Father Zosima to them. Soon it became apparent that it was difficult for the women to live a monastic life among the laity. Something had to be done about moving the nuns to some vacant monastery. The Bishop of Tobolsk agreed to give them such a monastery suitable for their needs in the city of Turinsk, and Father Zosima petitioned the Holy Synod to have this former men's monastery redesignated as one for women.
Thus, the Saint Nicholas-Turinsk Monastery was revived, and Saint Basilisk spent his last years nearby in seclusion. Because of his advanced age he often lived for a long time in the Monastery itself. It was there, during a time of turmoil and Elder Zosima's unjust persecution, that he appeared in a dream to two members of the Commission of Inquiry, exhorting them to acquit and protect his spiritual friend and sotainik2 because of his complete innocence.
Elder Basilisk's blessed repose occurred on December 29, 1824, and he predicted the time of his departure beforehand. On the day before, he confessed and received the Holy Mysteries of Christ. A peasant who served him until his death put his hand to the departing desert dweller's chest and felt that the dying man's heart was still beating. Until his very last breath he prayed aloud and with words: "Lord, Jesus Christ, Son of God," his soul departed as if he had fallen asleep. Even after the soul had left his body, his heart is still beat for a long time. Four days after Saint Basilisk's repose, Elder Zosima arrived in Turinsk with some nuns to find that Elder Basilisk had not been buried. His appearance was like that of a Saint, so that no one could look at him without a feeling of reverence.
Father Zosima invited an artist to paint his portrait. Elder Basilisk would not allow this during his lifetime because of his profound humility. Three more days passed until the artist completed his work. Before his burial on the seventh day, when they took the Elder's body out of the coffin to wrap it in the monastic mantiya, it was found to be quite flexible. Elder Zosima and some of the nuns carried the coffin. The holy ascetic Basilisk was buried at Turinsk Monastery behind the altar on the northern side.
Father Zosima returned to Tyumen with the sisters, but Anisya Kotokhova, one of the older nuns, was devoted to Elder Basilisk. She remained in the Monastery to comfort those who were saddened because they had been left behind.
In 1913, a stone chapel dedicated to the Holy Martyr Basiliskos of Comana (May 22) was built over the Elder's grave, and it was consecrated in 1914. It was visited by many worshippers, who often served panikhidas, praying for the repose of the beloved ascetic revered by all. In Soviet times, both the temple and the chapel were destroyed, and garages were built on that site. The holy relics of the Venerable one were discovered in 2000. There were several cases of healing and spiritual help after people prayed to him.
The Sisters of New Tikhvin Monastery prepared documents and sent them to the Canonization Commission, and Saint Basilisk of Siberia was glorified in 2004.
Elder Basilisk's entire life shows us an example of complete self-denial and fulfilling the commandment to love God and one's neighbor. He possessed no worldly wisdom, but he received wisdom from the Lord above. Because of his humility, he attained the heights of virtue, and by his example he bore witness to the truthfulness of the Gospel's words: "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God."
Some relics of Saint Basilisk are located in the Yekaterinburg village of Elizabeth, in the temple dedicated to the All-Merciful Savior.
1 Basil Ivanovich Blinskiy († March 28, 1812)
2 A sharer in the monastic mystery.