Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishop of Constantinople

May 9 – St. Gregory of Nazianzus, Bishop of Constantinople – (c. 329 – 389 or 390) –

4th-century Archbishop of Constantinople, he is widely considered the most accomplished rhetorical stylist of the patristic age. As a classically trained orator and philosopher he infused Hellenism into the early church, establishing the paradigm of Byzantine theologians and church officials.

Gregory made a significant impact on the shape of Trinitarian theology among both Greek and Latin-speaking theologians, and he is remembered as the “Trinitarian Theologian”. Much of his theological work continues to influence modern theologians, especially in regard to the relationship among the three Persons of the Trinity. Along with the brothers Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, he is known as one of the Cappadocian Fathers.

~LBW June 14; RC January 2