Gregory of Nazianzus, Saint

Gregory of Nazianzus, Saint

(born c. 330, Arianzus, near Nazianzus, in Cappadocia, Asia Minor—died c. 389, Arianzus; Eastern feast day January 25 and 30; Western feast day February 2) One of the Church Fathers of Eastern Orthodoxy. He was ordained a priest in Nazianzus in 362. He helped his friend Basil the Great combat Arianism. Though consecrated bishop of Sasima in 372, he did not take possession of the bishopric, instead retiring to a life of contemplation and study. He was noted for his defense of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity and of the Nicene Creed. In 380 he took over the Great Church of Constantinople, but, after being denied acknowledgment as bishop, he once again retired.