St. Gregory Thaumaturgus: life and works

Abstract

Born of an aristocratic pagan family at Neocaesarea in Pontus at beginning of 3rd century, St received his early training in literature and rhetoric in his birthplace. While visiting Caesarea in Palestine, he chanced to hear Christian philosopher and theologian Origen and remained there for five years as his pupil. Deeply influenced by Origen, returned to Pontus a convinced Christian and became first bishop of Neocaesarea. His dedication greatly influenced his people, and he became known as Gregory Great, the Teacher or the Wonderworker. St Gregory's influence is clear from many Lives (or narrations) that circulated in 4th and 5th centuries, prayers and invocations that asked for his patronage, and his place in Eastern canon law. Of his life, however, not much is known. No manuscript collection of his writings was made in antiquity. This volume presents earliest Life of Thaumaturgas, preached by St. of Nyssa, and all works that can be attributed to Thaumaturgas himself. It includes his Address of Thanksgiving to his teacher Origen; his Christian adaptation and interpretation of Old Testament book of Ecclesiastes; his regulations restoring order in Christian community after an invasion by Goths; a treatise on God's ability to suffer and another on Trinity; and two small texts that may or may not have been written by him.