St Gregory Nazianzen

St Gregory Nazianzen (328-389) was bishop of Constantinople, born in Cappadocia. He studied in Athens, where he became the friend of St Basil, and held discussions with Julian, afterwards emperor and apostate, who was also studying there. He had been bishop of Nazianzus before he was raised by Theodosius to the bishopric of Constantinople, which he held only for a year, at the end of which he retired into solitude. He was the champion of orthodoxy, a defender of the doctrine of the Trinity, and famed for his invectives against Julian. He has left writings that have made his name famous, besides letters, sermons, and poems. Festival, May 9.

Nearby pages
St Gregory of Nyssa, St Gregory of Tours, St Gregory Thaumaturgus, St Helena, St Helena the Island