● Orthodox Remembrance Day: January 25, January 30
● Name means: the vigilant (from Greek-Latin)
● Bishop of Sasima, Archischof of Constantinople, Church Father/Teacher
● Patron: the poet; for a good harvest
● Attributes: Bishop at the desk, dove
● Born around 330 on the estate Arianz near Nazianz, today probably the Klostertal near
Güzelyurt, Turkey
● Died January 25, 390
Gregory was a man of wealth and education, born to Nona, a devout Christian who was
responsible for introducing her husband, Gregory of Nazianz the Elder, to Christian faith.
Gregory Jr. had an illustrious academic career, studying at various institutions including
Caesarea in Cappadocia (now known as Kayseri), Caesarea in Palestine, and Alexandria, where
he had the privilege of meeting Athanasius.
In 348, he began pursuing rhetoric in Athens, where he formed a deep and lifelong bond with
Basil. It was also in Athens that he crossed paths with the infamous Julian Apostata – an emperor
and persecutor – whose return to power in 364 Gregory publicly criticized in two orations. He
also predicted the misdeeds of Julian, thereby establishing himself as a seer and one ahead of his
times.
A prolific writer, Gregory produced 47 speeches, 240 letters, a collection of poems, and a will.
His literary works enjoyed widespread recognition and significant influence on the Eastern
churches. Gregory’s enduring legacy as a philosopher, theologian, and orator, make him an
important figure of the early Christian era.