Saint Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople
January 25 on the Julian calendar
Dates follow the calendar tradition used by this project. Parishes using the new calendar celebrate fixed feasts on different civil dates.
Saint Gregory the Theologian was a great Father and teacher of the Church, remembered for his teaching on the Holy Trinity and for his pastoral service during a time of theological conflict.
Life
Gregory was born in 329 at Arianzos, near Nazianzos in Cappadocia, into a Christian family of distinction. His father, also named Gregory, was Bishop of Nazianzus; his mother, Saint Nonna, had prayed for a son and dedicated him to God. After receiving his first instruction in Holy Scripture, Gregory pursued a broad education at Nazianzos, Caesarea in Cappadocia, Alexandria, and Athens. In Athens he studied rhetoric, poetry, geometry, and astronomy, and his friendship with Saint Basil the Great became especially close. After returning home, Gregory was baptized and then ordained to the priesthood by his father, though unwillingly. In time, he helped his aged father care for the Church of Nazianzus.
Life and context
Gregory lived amid serious disputes about the Christian faith, especially the Arian controversy. He worked to strengthen his father in Orthodox confession and to reconcile him with his flock. Saint Basil consecrated Gregory bishop of Sasima, but Gregory remained in Nazianzus to assist his father and community. In 379 he went to Constantinople, where heretical groups were numerous and the Orthodox community was small. He preached in a modest church called Anastasis, meaning “Resurrection,” and endured violent opposition. In 381 he was chosen Patriarch of Constantinople, yet he resigned for the sake of peace in the Church. He spent his final years near his homeland, defending Orthodox faith in letters and poems, and died on January 25, 389.
Why he is venerated
The Church calls Gregory “the Theologian” because of his profound and careful confession of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. His five Theological Orations are particularly valued for their response to false teachings concerning the Son of God and the Holy Spirit. He insisted that speaking about God requires humility, reverence, and purity of life, rather than confidence in merely human argument. Forty-five of his orations, along with letters and poems, have been preserved. He is also venerated for gentleness under suffering, steadfastness in defending the faith, and willingness to lay aside high office for the Church’s peace. In Church tradition, the title “Theologian” is also given to Saint John the Apostle and Evangelist.
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Sources: Orthodox Church in America