By Bishop Grigorios of Mesaoria
The Orthodox Church commemorates today a great Church Father and Teacher, Saint Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople (also known as Saint Gregory of Nazianzus).
He is one of the most important Saints in Christianity and Theology. He was born in 330 AD at Nazianzus, Cappadocia. His father was Bishop of Nazianzus, whose name was also Gregory, and he taught him reading and writing. His mother, Nonna, brought him up in Christian faith.
During his studies, he became friends with Saint Basil, with whom he spent a period of his life in a monastery established by them in Pontus. He returned to Cappadocia, where he was ordained Deacon and Presbyter and, even though he did not want to, he was ordained Bishop of the city of Sasima.
He was chosen Archbishop of Constantinople, as he had already proven his faith in the Lord through his pious life, his preaches, and his struggle against the spread of the Arian heresy. He was also chosen to preside at the Second Ecumenical Council.
Saint Gregory decided to resign his office when he realised that there were some bishops who were questioning his motives. After his death in 390 AD, he was honoured with the title “Theologian,” also given to the holy Apostle and Evangelist John.
Source: Church of Cyprus