Saint Gregory the Wonderworker, Bishop of Neocaesarea

Life

Behold: a man of God and a mighty wonderworker, called a second Moses. Born of pagan but notable and wealthy parents, Gregory first studied Greek and Egyptian philosophy, but recognizing its barrenness and insufficiency he turned to Christian teachers, and especially to Origen in Alexandria, with whom he studied for several years and from whom he received baptism. Pure in soul and body, he wished to dedicate himself entirely to Christ God, for which reason he withdrew into the desert, where in arduous struggles he spent a long time. His fame spread everywhere, and Phaedimus, Bishop of Amasea, wished to consecrate him as Bishop of Caesarea. The far-seeing Gregory perceived Phaedimus's intention and hid himself throughout the desert from his emissaries so that they would not find him. Finally Phaedimus consecrated him in a wondrous manner, and Gregory was obliged to accept the office of chief pastor. The Most Holy Theotokos appeared to him with Saint John the Theologian, and by the command of the Theotokos Saint John delivered to him the Symbol of Faith, known by Gregory's name. Who can count all the miracles of this second Moses? He commanded evil spirits, he commanded mountains and waters, he healed all pains and diseases, before persecutors he became invisible, he saw into the distance not only events but also human thoughts. He ended his earthly life in the year 270 in deep old age. When he came as bishop to Caesarea, he found the entire city pagan with only seventeen Christians, and when he departed from this life he left the entire city Christian with only seventeen pagans. Therefore he received a crown of glory from his Lord in the Heavenly Kingdom.

From the Hymn of Praise

Holy Gregory, both holy and glorious,Bright star of the Church, Orthodox champion,By a very narrow path he ascended to God,Through sufferings and tears he reached blessedness.