Gregory of Nazianzus
c. 329 – 390 · Bishop of Constantinople
Also known as Gregory the Theologian
Feast: 2 January (Catholic) · 25 January (Orthodox)
Cappadocian Father, briefly Archbishop of Constantinople (380-381) and presider over the First Council of Constantinople. Known as 'the Theologian' for his Five Theological Orations.
Highlights
- Main contribution
- Gregory of Nazianzus gave the church some of its clearest language for the Trinity.
- Event connection
- First Council of Constantinople (381)
- Best first read
- Five Theological Orations
- Primary source
- Gregory of Nazianzus, Orationes 27-31 (Theological Orations)
Gregory of Nazianzus gave the church some of its clearest language for the Trinity. In Constantinople in 380, with Nicene Christians still under pressure, he preached the Five Theological Orations that explained how Father, Son, and Spirit are distinct without dividing God. He did not want an imperial career and repeatedly tried to withdraw from public office, but the crisis demanded someone who could speak precisely. After Gregory, loose Trinitarian language became much harder to defend.
Notable works
- ·Five Theological Orations · 380
- ·Orations · 380
- ·Autobiographical Poem (De Vita Sua) · 382
- ·Letters · 380
Primary sources
- ·Gregory of Nazianzus, Orationes 27-31 (Theological Orations)
- ·Gregory of Nazianzus, De Vita Sua
- ·Jerome, De Viris Illustribus 117
Book of the day
Five Theological Orations
Gregory of NazianzusA reading pick tied to today's figure, quote, era, or event. Dense but decisive sermons on the Trinity from the theologian of Constantinople.
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