Wednesday, May 9: Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishop of Constantinople, 389

There is a traditional list of eight great Doctors (Teachers, Theologians) of the ancient Church. It lists four Western (Latin) Doctors -- Ambrose of Milan, Augustine of Hippo, Jerome of Strido, and Gregory the Great (Pope Gregory I) -- and four Eastern (Greek) Doctors -- Athanasius of Alexandria, John Chrysostom of Antioch and Constantinople, Basil the Great, and Gregory of Nazianzus (also called Gregory Nazianzen).

Rob Bradshaw provides this very brief biography:

Gregory, a friend of both Basil of Caesarea and Gregory of Nyssa, was the son of a wealthy bishop (also called Gregory). Like Basil he was well-educated and deeply influenced by the teachings of Origen. In this regard Gregory stood halfway between the literalism of Basil and the allegory of Gregory of Nyssa. Again, like his friend Basil, Gregory was an ascetic at heart. After many years of periodic withdrawal into monasteries he was made bishop, a position that he did not take up willingly. Many of Gregory's works have survived, including his Five Theological Orations which have a distinct Trinitarian emphasis.

To find out more about Gregory of Nazianzus, visit one or more of the following:

• St. Gregory of Nazianzus


• Gregory of Nzaianzus


• Oriental Institute: Centre for the Study of Gregory of Nazianzus (C.E.G.N.)

In your Daily Office you may wish to use this prayer and these readings:

Almighty God, who have revealed to your Church your eternal Being of glorious majesty and perfect love as one God in Trinity of Persons: Give us grace that, like your bishop Gregory of Nazianzus, we may continue steadfast in the confession of this faith, and constant in our worship of you, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who live and reign for ever and ever.

Psalm 19:7-11(12-14) or 37:3-6, 32-33; Wisdom 7:7-14; John 8:25-32