Venerable Gregory the Decapolite

Life

Gregory was born in Decapolis in Isauria of distinguished and pious parents, Sergius and Mary. When he finished school, his parents wished to marry him off, but he fled to the desert and became a monk. He lived in various places, such as Byzantium, Rome, and Mount Olympus. Wherever he was, he everywhere amazed people with his ascetic struggles and miracles. It happened that heavenly light illumined him; that the angels of God appeared to him. He beheld angelic beauty and heard their tender singing. He lived long and in a God-pleasing manner, and reposed peacefully in the ninth century in Constantinople, his soul passing into the joy of his Lord.

From the Hymn of Praise

Glorious disciple of a glorious teacher,O most wise Proclus, servant of the Savior,Thou didst strengthen the faith, exterminate heresies,Therefore the holy Church sings thy glory,