Gregory of Nazianzus
Cappadocian Father and Trinitarian theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople.
Wikipedia / Wikimedia Commons
Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 329 – 25 January 390), also known as Saint Gregory the Theologian or Gregory Nazianzen, was an early Roman Christian theologian and prelate who served as Archbishop of Constantinople from 380 to 381. He is widely considered the most accomplished rhetorical stylist of the patristic age. As a classically trained orator and philosopher, he infused Hellenism into the early Church, establishing the paradigm of Byzantine theologians and church officials. He made a significant impact on the shape of Trinitarian theology among both Greek and Latin-speaking theologians, and is remembered as the 'Trinitarian Theologian.' Along with Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nyssa, he is known as one of the Cappadocian Fathers.
- born
- c. 329
- died
- 25 January 390
- field
- Theology, rhetoric, philosophy
- nationality
- Roman (Greek-speaking Cappadocian)
- known_for
- Trinitarian theology, rhetorical style, Cappadocian Father, Archbishop of Constantinople
Lore & Background
Gregory was born to Greek parents in the family estate of Karbala outside Nazianzus in southwest Cappadocia. His parents, Gregory the Elder and Nonna, were wealthy landowners. He studied advanced rhetoric and philosophy in Nazianzus, Caesarea, Alexandria, and Athens. On the way to Athens, his ship encountered a violent storm, and he prayed to Christ that if delivered, he would dedicate his life to His service. In Athens, he developed a close friendship with Basil of Caesarea and met the future emperor Julian. He was ordained a presbyter in 361 by his father's wish, though he had considered a monastic life. After a period of asceticism with Basil, he returned to Nazianzus to help heal a divided Christian community. Between 362 and 363, he composed his Invectives Against Julian in response to the emperor's opposition to Christianity.
Reader's Guide
Gregory of Nazianzus is a saint in both Eastern and Western Christianity. In the Catholic Church he is numbered among the Doctors of the Church; in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches he is revered as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs, along with Basil of Caesarea and John Chrysostom. He is also regarded by the Catholic Church as one of the four Great Greek Church Fathers. He was considered a patron saint of the Kotromanić dynasty and the Kingdom of Bosnia during the first half of the 15th century. He is one of only three men in the life of the Orthodox Church officially designated 'Theologian' by epithet, the others being John the Apostle and Symeon the New Theologian. His theological work continues to influence modern theologians, especially regarding the relationship among the three Persons of the Trinity. His five powerful discourses on Nicene doctrine, delivered from the Anastasia church in Constantinople, helped refute the Eunomian denial of the Holy Spirit's divinity.
Did You Know?
- Gregory is one of only three men in the Orthodox Church officially designated 'Theologian' by epithet, the others being John the Apostle and Symeon the New Theologian.
- He was considered a patron saint of the Kotromanić dynasty and the Kingdom of Bosnia during the first half of the 15th century.
- On the way to Athens, his ship encountered a violent storm, and he prayed to Christ that if delivered, he would dedicate his life to His service.
- He composed Invectives Against Julian between 362 and 363 in response to Emperor Julian's opposition to Christianity.
Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)
"Concerning his literary gift, "St. Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople" — Gregory of Nazianzus "I am an organ of the Lord, and sweetly... do I glorify the King, all atremble before Him." — Gregory of Nazianzus "St. Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople" — Gregory of Nazianzus "Concerning his resignment from his office as Patriarch of Constantinople, "St. Gregory the Theologian the Archbishop of Constantinople" — Gregory of Nazianzus
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