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The holy and righteous '''Emily''' (also ''Emmelia'' or ''Emilia''), is the mother of Saint [[Basil the Great]] and several other children who are saints of the [[Church]]. Churches of the Russian tradition keep her feast on [[January 1]], along with her son Basil. Greek churches keep her feast on [[May 30]] or [[May 8]], along with her husband Saint [[Basil the Elder]] and her mother-in-law, Saint [[Macrina the Elder]].

After her children left home, Saint Emily was persuaded by Macrina to forsake the world. Together they founded a [[monastery]] for women. Emily divided the family property among her children and freed her slaves. Retaining only some meager possessions, she and Macrina withdrew to a secluded family property in Pontus, picturesquely located on the banks of the Iris River and not far from Saint Basil's wilderness abode. A number of liberated female slaves desired to join the pair, and a [[convent]] was formed. They lived under one roof and held everything in common: They ate, worked, and prayed together, serving the Lord in with a singular purpose. They were so eager to advance in virtue that they regarded fasting as food and poverty as riches. The harmony of this model community of women was unspoiled by anger, jealousy, hatred, or [[pride]]. Indeed, as the [[Church]] sings of [[monastics]], they lived like [[angel]]s in the [[flesh]].