Hexaemeron

religion, spirituality, christianity, society, culture, philosophy · EN

The Hexaemeron comprises nine captivating homilies by St. Basil that delve into the fascinating cosmogony presented in the opening chapters of Genesis. While the exact time and location of these sermons remain uncertain, they were delivered during Lent, both in the morning and evening services, and were intended for a diverse audience, including working men. St. Basil’s preaching style, suggested by the spontaneous nature of his words in Homily VIII, reflects his usual extemporaneous approach. Unlike his more polished written works, such as De Spiritu Sancto, the Hexaemeron reveals a raw and passionate oratory that captivated listeners in earlier centuries. Renowned scholar Photius praised its eloquence and power, ranking it alongside the great works of Plato and Demosthenes. (Introduction by Nicene Post-Nicene Fathers, Series II, Vol. VIII)