St. Gregory of Nyssa was born in 335, part of a family that includes at least five saints. His family was persecuted for their faith, but persevered. He was a rhetorician and lector, who was elected bishop of Nyssa in 372. He was tried several times for embezzlement and religious crimes, but was never convicted. On his travels to Jerusalem throughout his reign, he was accused of holding unorthodox views on Christ. He was an Orthodox Trinitarian, who believed that God was infinite and his ultimate goal for humanity was salvation, and that each member of the Trinity had its own role. His feast day is March 9.
“Concepts create idols; only wonder comprehends anything. People kill one another over idols. Wonder makes us fall to our knees.” — St. Gregory of Nyssa
Questions for Reflection
St. Gregory of Nyssa’s views were considered strange, but he always kept a positive, holy outlook on life. How do you maintain a positive perspective, even when you’re challenged?
How can you defend someone who is being insulted for his or her opinions or beliefs?
