The Basiliad Institute

Our Mission

The Basiliad Institute, in the spirit of St. Basil the Great's charitable work of the 4th century AD, does purpose to support the growth and creation of almshouses, hospices, hospitals, hostels, schools, banks, and other complexes and communities that live in Christ, give without expecting in return, create real relationships with those in need, and invest their “talents” in the Kingdom of God.

The New City

Go forth a little way from the city, and behold the new city, the storehouse of piety, the common treasury of the wealthy… where disease is regarded in a religious light, and disaster is thought a blessing, and sympathy is put to the test.

So said St. Gregory Nazianzen in his eulogy for his friend St. Basil the Great. That “new city” was the Basiliad: an urban complex described as the first true hospital. It was church and residence, a hospital, hostel, hospice poorhouse, and tradeschool. It was unlike any place before it, offering professional medical treatment to the poor. In short, St. Basil created an encompassing Christian institution that allowed its supporters to live a thoroughly charitable life.

The Basiliad Institute aims to spark the desire for such an urban Christian life. It does so by connecting existing charitable organizations together, witnessing to the work of St. Basil the Great, creating new urban charitable projects, and overcoming the regulatory and organizational hurdles that make it difficult for Christian communities to live charitably and selflessly, authentically and simply.

Early Christians conquered the cities in the name of Christ. Then, the warriors we call monastics went out to do battle in the deserts. But today, instead of retreating to the desert with the Benedict Option, we choose the Basiliad Option. In the cities, where suffering and need lurk, we bring the abounding love of Christ.

Projects

• The Basiliad Network: connecting Christian charitable organizations that work in cities.
• 501(d) apostolic organizations: challenging regulatory mistakes that prevent Christians from living apostolically (“holding all things in common”) in non-monastic city environments.
• Christian banking: working toward a new pathway for community-centered, non-usurious banks that operate with Christ at their center, requiring new models for financial success and regulatory changes.
• Schooling: supporting Orthodox schools and students through scholarships funded by tax credit donations.