Gregory nazianzen biography

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Paul Tillich, a world-renowned twentieth century theologian, credits Greogory of Nazianzus for having "created the definitive formulae for the doctrine of the trinity."[48]

Relics

Following his death, Saint Gregory's body was buried at Nazianzus. It was here that Gregory preached the first of his great episcopal orations.

What gentle ground

And hospitable grave will wrap me round?
Who last my dying eyelids stoop to close—
Some saint, the Saviour's friend? 43.2, PG 36.497.
  • ↑Ruether, 42.
  • ↑McGuckin, 241. The relics are now enshrined in the Patriarchal St. George's Cathedral, Istanbul in the Fanar.[37]

    Death

    During the six years of life which remained to him after his final retirement to his birthplace, Gregory composed the greater part of his copious poetical works.

    He is commemorated together with eleven other doctors of the Church on the Saturday before the feast of the Discovery of the Holy Cross (which is observed on the Sunday closest to 26 October.[46] The Armenian Church calendar also has a feast day dedicated solely to Gregory. Near the end of this period his friend Basil died.

    For the mystery of godliness belongs to those who are willing, not to those who are overpowered.[23]

    Despite the familial necessity of taking over his father's post, it strained his relationship with Basil, who insisted that Gregory return to the bishopric at Sasima. His relics, consisting of portions of his body and clothing, were transferred to Constantinople in 950, into the Church of the Holy Apostles.

    I had engaged even at Athens, at the time of our friendship and intimate connection there (for I can find no better word for it), to join you in a life of philosophy. He also began composing De Vita Sua, his autobiographical poem.

    gregory nazianzen biography

    Donating most of his considerable inheritance to the needy, he lived an ascetic existence, devoted to meditation, theological scholarship, and ministering to his congregation.[9] At the end of 375, he withdrew to a monastery at Seleukia, living there for three years. Fortunately for the aging cleric, this dissension was formally settled in his favor following the arrival of the emperor Theodosius in 380.

    Biographers suggest that it was this dialectic that defined him, forged his character and inspired his search for meaning and truth.[40]

    Legacy

    Theology and other works

    Gregory's most significant theological contributions arose from his defense of the Nicene doctrine of the Trinity.

    Biography

    Early life and education

    Gregory was born to Greek parents in the family estate of Karbala outside the village of Arianzus, near Nazianzus, in southwest Cappadocia.[13]: 18  His parents, Gregory of Nazianzus the Elder and Nonna of Nazianzus, were wealthy land-owners.

    314 {Amazon.com}.

  • Jay Wesley Richards, "Can a Male Savior Save Women? Yet I will not fail you altogether, if you will accept this offer. Christ ascends, the Spirit takes His place. The Council asked him to appear once more for a farewell ritual and celebratory orations.

    Priesthood

    After extensive prayer, personal reflection, and consultation with friends (most notably Basil of Caesarea), Gregory decided that he wanted to follow the examples of Saint Anthony and Saint Pachomius—abjuring his worldly life in favor of ascetic devotion to Christ.

    What titles appertaining to God do not apply also to Him, except for Unbegotten and Begotten?