Definition: Gregory of Nazianzus (325/329-389/390), born in Asia Minor, was the son of a Bishop Gregory of Nazianzus. Gregory of Nazianzus was taught at a school in
Caesarea, capital of Cappadocia, where he became friends with Basil, another church father. Basil and Gregory later studied together in Athens, along with the man who was to be the emperor Julian the Apostate. Under the Emperor Theodosius, Gregory went to Constantinople in 379 where he defended the doctrine of the trinity, became known as theologus (theologian), and was made bishop. He retired to Nazianzus for the last six years of his life at which time he wrote poetry: autobiographical verses, epigrams, epitaphs and epistles.
For further reading: Jostein Bortnes, Tomas Ha+gg (edd.), Gregory of Nazianzus: Images and Reflections. Copenhagen: Museum Tusculanum Press, 2006. ISBN 87-635-0386-7.
