Gregory of Nazianz the Elder
Gregory of Nazianz the Elder (* before 280 in Arianzos near Nazianz in Cappadocia ; † 374 in Nazianz) was Bishop of Nazianz and the father of Gregor of Nazianz (the younger), Caesarius of Nazianz and Gorgonia and like them a saint of the 4th Century.
Gregor belonged to the Jewish group of hypsistarians . At the age of fifty he was converted to Christianity through the influence of his Christian wife Nonna (c. 325). As early as 328 he was appointed Bishop of Nazianz. He held this office for 45 years. Gregor was able to bring peace to the previously troubled community in a very short time. From 335 he had a large octagonal cathedral built in Nazianz , similar to the later Hagia Sophia in Constantinople .
In 361 he ordained his son Gregory as a priest, initially against his wishes. The younger Gregor supported him in his work in the following years. In 370, it was his influence that made Basil Bishop of Caesarea, despite being in such poor health that he had to be carried to Caesarea. At 94 he made his son Gregor his coadjutor .
His feast day is January 1st .
See also
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| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Gregory of Nazianz the Elder |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | Bishop of Nazianz |
| DATE OF BIRTH | before 280 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Arianzos near Nazianz , Cappadocia |
| DATE OF DEATH | 374 |
| Place of death | Nazianz |