Hierarch Saint Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople

Saint Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople (c. 329 – 389), was born at the family estate of Arianzus near Nazianzus in Cappadocia, son of Bishop Gregory the Elder. He received an outstanding education in Caesarea of Cappadocia, Alexandria, and Athens, where he formed his celebrated lifelong friendship with Basil the Great.

After baptism, he withdrew with Basil for ascetic retreat in Pontus. Ordained a priest and later titular bishop of Sasima, he in practice assisted his father in Nazianzus. In 379 he was invited by Constantinople's Nicene faithful to lead the struggle against Arianism and Apollinarianism in the capital; preaching his famous "Five Theological Orations," he earned the title "the Theologian."

In 380, Emperor Theodosius I confirmed him Archbishop of Constantinople, and he presided at the opening of the Second Ecumenical Council (381), but soon voluntarily resigned and retired to Arianzus, spending his final years in seclusion and literary work. He is venerated as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs and Ecumenical Teachers, alongside Basil the Great and John Chrysostom.