Saint Bassian was born in Syracuse, Sicily. His father was the prefect of the city and could afford to give his son a good education. He sent the young Bassian to Rome. During his studies, Vassian met the presbyter Gordian, who talked a lot with the youth about Christianity. Vassian was imbued with a new faith and became a follower of Christ. During his baptism, he had a vision of an angel holding his tunic. Vassian asked who he was and why he appeared to him. The angel said that he had led him to receive Christ. Vassian’s faith increased many times after that.
The family’s pleas to come to their senses and return to Syracuse had no effect. The young man left Rome and went to Ravenna. Having settled on the outskirts, in a wasteland, he spent time in fasting and prayer. His touch healed the sick, miracles became more and more. The whole town learned about Vassian.
Once, a well-known citizen of Ravenna, a judge, was unjustly slandered. A secret Christian, a judge during the execution called on the name of the saint, and the executioner could not carry out the sentence. This was repeated several times until the circumstances of the case were clarified and the judge was acquitted. He did not hide who he considered responsible for his salvation, he always said how the saint helped him.
When the bishop’s seat was vacated at Lodia, near Ravenna, he was offered to Vassian. He began his service with humility, helping the poor, healing the sick. On his initiative, a temple was built in the city in the name of the Holy Apostles. After serving in his place for 35 years, the saint died in a very old age, in 409.
Remembrance days
June 23
The Holy Land Charitable Foundation
Lives of Saints
