May 9 – Gregory of Nazianzus

St Gregory the Theologian: fresco from Kariye Camii, Istanbul, Turkey.Gregory of Nazianzus (also known as Gregory the Theologian) lived from 329 to 389 AD. He was named Bishop of Constantinople, somewhat against both his will and his temperament. He went on to make a vital impact on the Christian understanding of the Trinity, elaborating and defending the understanding of God found in the Nicene Creed.

“Almighty God, you raised up your servant Gregory in the midst of a troubled church, and gave him the gift of holy eloquence to defend the mystery of your triune life. Unite us, we pray, in celebration of this mystery, that we may be filled with your light and led by your truth to behold in praise and adoration your glorious majesty and perfect love, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three persons and one God, now and forever. Amen” (Adapted from ‘For All the Saints’ p. 41)