GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS (329-389)

A Saint, theologian, and bishop. Gregory was born near Nazianzus in Cappadocia. He was educated at Caesarea and Alexandria, where he became familiar with the works of Origen. After studying in Athens, he returned home, where he was baptized in 358. He was ordained a priest against his will in 362. His friend Basil, the great Archbishop of Cappadocia, ordained him as the bishop of a small city named Sasima. He withdrew to Seleucia in order to live as a contemplative there. In 379, he became the spiritual father of the Nicene congregation in Constantinople.

In 381, the Second Ecumenical Council of Constantinople confirmed him as Bishop of Constantinople. However, because the transferal of a bishop from one diocese to another is not canonical, Gregory resigned from his responsibilities in order to avoid possible conflict and disturbance. He died near Nazianzus. In Coptic there exist various homilies that have been attributed to Gregory of Nazianzus, such as a homily on St Athanasius, a homily on charity to the poor, a homily on St. Basil of Cappadocia, a homily on the Passion Week, and a homily on the Archangel Michael.

There also exist fragments of homilies, theological treatises, and letters. The Anaphora of St. Gregory, certain prayers of exorcism, and some commentaries on the gospels have also been ascribed to him.

GAWDAT GABRA