St. Gregory the Theologian

January 25th
Troparion (Tone 1)
The shepherd's pipe of thy theology conquered the philosophers' trumpets; for since thou didst search out the depths of the Spirit, beauty of speech was added to thee. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls may be saved, O Father Gregory.

Born in Nazianzus to a Greek father (who later became a Christian & bishop) and a Christian mother, St. Nonna, he studied in Athens with St. Basil the Great and Julian the Apostate. He was baptised after he finished his studies. St. Basil consecrated him bishop of Sasima, then Emperor Theodosius elevated him to the patriarchate in Constantinople. He earned the designation "theologian" because of his understanding of and defense of the doctrine of the Holy Trinity. He refuted the heresy of Macedonius, who taught that the Holy Spirit was a created being. And he wrote against the heresy of Apollinarius, who taught that Christ was not fully human. He also wrote against Emperor Julian the Apostate, his former schoolmate. In 381, his right to the bishop's throne was challenged. He withdrew to his birthplace and completed his ministry by writing instructive books until his repose in the year 389. His relics were later taken to Rome and his head to the Cathedral of the Dormition in Moscow.

This icon is by the hand of John of Jerusalem, 18th century. It is from the Church of St. Nicholas, Tripoli, Lebanon. Inscription is in Greek.

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