Saint Gregory of Nazianzen

Biography

Saint Gregory of Nazianzen, also known as Gregory of Nazianzus, Grégoire de Nazianze, The Christian Demosthenes, and The Theologian, was born in 330 in Arianzus, Cappadocia, Asia Minor. He was the son of Saint Gregory of Nazianzen the Elder and Saint Nonna, and the brother of Saint Caesar Nazianzen and Saint Gorgonius. In his youth, Gregory embarked on a journey to seek knowledge and education. During this time, he became friends with Saint Basil the Great and studied alongside him. Eventually, Gregory decided to become a monk, joining Basil's desert monastery. Although initially hesitant to become a priest, Gregory eventually accepted the responsibility due to his unwavering faith. He worked alongside his father, who was a bishop, to prevent an Arian schism in the diocese. Gregory firmly opposed Arianism and was successful in bringing many of its followers back to the orthodox Christian faith. In 370, Gregory became the bishop of Caesarea, which brought him into conflict with the Arian emperor Valens. Despite his deep dislike for the city and his fear of being drawn into politics and corruption, Gregory tirelessly worked to bring the Arians back to the true faith. However, his efforts were met with slander, insults, physical attacks, and even a rival "bishop" attempting to take over his diocese. Gregory's expertise in preaching and teaching the Trinity was well-known. After the death of Valens, he became the bishop of Constantinople from 381 to 390. However, he despised the violence and slander involved in the disputes of the city and longed to live as a hermit. His main goal in Constantinople was to restore orthodox Christianity, particularly by bringing the Arians back to the faith. Despite his best efforts, Gregory faced numerous challenges and hardships in Constantinople. He was constantly slandered and insulted, and his rivals posed significant threats to his position. Nonetheless, he remained steadfast in his faith and worked tirelessly for the restoration of orthodox Christianity. Gregory retired from his position in Constantinople after it seemed that orthodox Christianity had been restored. He spent the remaining years of his life as a hermit, engaging in theological discourse and writing poetry. His written works included religious and autobiographical content. Recognized as a Father of the Church and a Doctor of the Church, Gregory's contributions to the Christian faith were highly significant. He is often depicted in art as a bishop with a book, codex, or scroll, as well as with a censer or shown writing with a dove or the hand of God nearby. Saint Gregory of Nazianzen's feast days are celebrated on 2 January in the Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions. His death is remembered on 25 January as an optional memorial in Orthodox, Armenian, Coptic, Syrian Orthodox traditions. In Granada, Zaragoza, and Jaca, Spain, his feast day is on 3 January, while the translation of his relics to Rome, Italy, is commemorated on 11 June. Some calendars also recognize 1 January and 9 May as feast days for Saint Gregory. Saint Gregory of Nazianzen is patronized as the patron saint for harvests and poets. His holiness and contributions to theology and the Church make him an iconic figure in Christian history.