Gregory of Nazianzus (329–390)

Selected letters among the "three hierarchs" of the Orthodox tradition, chosen more to give layfolk an impression of theirbnlives and times than to fully express their theology; some are religious and others are minor pieces on details of their secular lives

Gregory of Nazianzus, "The Theologian," was recognized among the Cappadocian Fathers as a peculiarly vivid and quotable exponent of the doctrine of God in Trinity. A brilliant orator and accomplished poet, he placed before the Church his interpretation of the sublime mystery of the God revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. These five sermons, probably delivered as a series at the small chapel of the Resurrection in Constantinople, where Gregory was the bishop in charge of loyal show more "Nicenes," contain Gregory's penetrating teaching. The English translation aims to capture for the present-day reader something of the atmosphere of intellectual excitement and spiritual exhilaration experienced by his first listeners. In addition, this work contains a new translation of Gregory's letters to Cledonius, which contain more focused reflections on the person of Jesus Christ, laying the groundwork for later Christology.

Frederick Williams, professor of Greek at the Queen's University in Belfast, translated the first oration. Lionel Wickham, formerly Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity at Cambridge, translated the other four orations and the two letters to Cledonius. show less

Modern Christianity The German Reformation

Cyril: Catechetical lectures / rev. translation by Edwin Hamilton Gifford-- Select orations of Saint Gregory Nazianzen / tr. by Charles Gordon Browne and James Edward Swallow -- Select letters of Saint Gregory Nazianzen