ST. GREGORY NAZIANZUS (JAN 25TH)
A Western Icon of St. Gregory Nazianzus Edited by Bp. Joseph St. Gregory the Theologian, born in AD 329, was a significant figure in Early Christianity. His father, also named Gregory, became the Bishop of Nazianzus, and his mother Nonna, brother Caesarius, and sister Gorgona are all recognized as Saints in all the ancient Churches. St. Gregory initially studied in Caesarea, then Alexandria, and finally Athens. While sailing from Alexandria to Athens, he faced a raging ocean storm, and in desperation, vowed to dedicate himself to God. The storm subsided, and in Athens, he developed a lifelong exploration of the monastic way. After their studies, Gregory embraced ascetic life with Basil for a time. Later, he was ordained a presbyter in Nazianzus by his father, St. Gregory the Elder, and was then consecrated Bishop of Sasima by St. Basil. In AD 379, he played a crucial role in freeing Constantinople from Arianism and was elected Archbishop in AD 381. It was then that he conven...
