Abstract: The study analyses the structure and management of the Basileias, a shelter for the poor established in the 4th century by Basil the Great. The historian Sozomenos refers to this building complex as the Basileias, named after its founder, and testifies to the exceptional nature and grandeur of Basil’s work. Although the Basileias played a significant role in its time, there is only a limited number of relevant scholarly articles and sources regarding that philanthropic institution. Therefore, the study will primarily rely on the writings of Basil the Great and his closest collaborators, through which we will clarify the organizational structure and governance of this shelter. By interpreting primary texts in Greek, we explain how charitable activities were perceived by Byzantine authors, who drew on biblical principles for helping those in need. Using Basil the Great’s correspondence, we provide insights into this complex and demonstrate the practical forms of his philanthropic initiatives. Today, the search for inclusive approaches is a widely discussed topic, and the implementation of projects supporting help to those in need is a key and strategic priority for contemporary society. For this reason, we consider the subject of our research as highly relevant and necessary, particularly in terms of the long-term sustainability of philanthropic institutions that support marginalized social groups.

Author: Zozuľak, Ján

DOI: 10.17846/CL.2025.18.2.3-10 (PDF file)

Publication order reference: prof. ThDr. Ján Zozuľak, PhD.; Silesian University of Technology, Faculty of Organization and Management, Department of Applied Social Sciences, 26-28 Roosevelta Str., 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Faculty of Arts, Department of Ethics and Aesthetics, Hodžova 1, 949 01 Nitra, Slovakia; email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; ORCID ID: 0000-0001-5263-1224, WOS Researcher ID: AAB-5533-2020, SCOPUS Author ID: 57204003830

Source: Konštantínove listy, 2025, vol.: 18, issue: 2, pages: 3-10

Keywords: HISTORY, BYZANTOLOGY, BASIL THE GREAT, THE BASILEIAS, CAPPADOCIA, HOSPITAL, MANAGEMENT, PHILANTHROPY

Language: ENGLISH

Recommended Citation:

ZOZUĽAK, Ján. 2025. The Structure and Management of the Basileias According to Historical Sources. In Konštantínove listy [Constantine’s Letters] 18/2, 3-10.