Holy Father Gregory of Nazianzus (+374)

Saint Gregory of Nazianzus was the father of Gregory the Theologian (commemorated 25 January). He grew up in a noble, educated but pagan family. He was almost forty-five when, at the wish of his wife, the pious Nonna (commemorated 5 August), he declared himself a catechumen, was then baptised, and at last even became Bishop of Nazianzus.

Gregory the Theologian remembered his father with great love and reverence: “My father was a beautiful and very kind old man, simple in character, exemplary in life, a true patriarch, a second Abraham. At first he lived in error, but afterwards he became a friend of Christ, and at last a shepherd and chief shepherd as well.”

Saint Gregory of Nazianzus was also the spiritual father of his son: in 358 he baptised him himself, and three years later ordained him presbyter. Saint Gregory the Theologian supported his aged parents, and after his father’s death (+374) he governed the flock of Nazianzus for a time as well.