Nicene · c. 329 – 390
St. Gregory of Nazianzus
Cappadocia / Constantinople
Biography
Gregory, close friend of St. Basil since student days in Athens, is known as 'the Theologian' for his profound defense of the Trinity, especially in his Five Theological Orations delivered in Constantinople. He reluctantly served as Archbishop of Constantinople during the pivotal Council of 381, presiding over part of it, before resigning to seek a quiet life of prayer and writing. He is honored as one of the three great Cappadocian Fathers alongside Basil and Gregory of Nyssa.
Historical background
His Five Theological Orations, delivered in the small church of Anastasia in Constantinople in AD 380 before the Arian-dominated capital was won back to Nicene orthodoxy, are considered the classic patristic exposition of Trinitarian doctrine.
Major writings
Five Theological Orations
Classic orations defending the full divinity of the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Letters to Cledonius
Key texts on the union of divine and human natures in Christ.
Important teachings
Gregory teaches the full consubstantial divinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit as 'one nature in three persons,' and articulates the principle that what is not assumed by Christ is not healed, underscoring the completeness of the Incarnation. He also affirms Mary as Theotokos, the God-bearer, essential to a right confession of Christ.
Quotations
“The Three have one nature, namely, Godhead... the union being God.”
“If anyone does not believe that Holy Mary is the Mother of God, he is at variance with the Godhead.”
“That which He has not assumed He has not healed.”