Gregory of Nazianzus the Elder
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| Feast | 1 January[1] |
Gregory the Elder or Gregory of Nazianzus the Elder (c. 276 – 374) was the bishop of the see of Nazianzus in Roman province of Cappadocia. However, he is better remembered as the patriarch of an important family of ecclesiastics.
Career
A member of the Hypsistarians, a distinct Jewish-pagan sect worshiping Hypsistos, the "Most High" God, Gregory was convinced to convert to Christianity by his wife Nonna in 325. Both Gregory and Nonna came from wealthy families, and Gregory was able to personally finance the construction of a church in the region. In 328, Gregory was selected as bishop of Nazianzus, a position he held until his death. At one point, Gregory subscribed to an Arian understanding of the Trinity. However, this was for a very brief time and he quickly renounced that position.[2]
Family
Julian the Apostate, and died in 368. Their elder son, also named Gregory (and sometimes known as "the Younger"), served alongside his father first as a priest, and then as coadjutor. Gregory the Younger would later become the Patriarch of Constantinople .
References
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