Gregory of Nazianzus the Elder

Bishop of Nazianzus, father of St. Gregory the Theologian.

St. Gregory the Elder was Bishop of Nazianzus in Cappadocia in the fourth century and the father of St. Gregory the Theologian. Tradition relates that he was converted to the Christian faith through the prayers of his wife, St. Nonna, and was later made bishop of his native city.

He shepherded Nazianzus for many years and, in his old age, was assisted in the episcopate by his son. He is commemorated on January 1.

Feast day

On the New Calendar, Gregory of Nazianzus the Elder is commemorated on January 1. Churches on the Old (Julian) Calendar keep the feast on January 14 of the civil calendar.

Also commemorated on January 1

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  Basil the Great

  Great Feast, Βασίλειος

  Archbishop of Caesarea, one of the Three Holy Hierarchs.

  Name days: Vasilis, Vasileios, Vassilis, Vasile, Basil, Bill, Vasilios, Vassilios, Vasos, Vasily, Vasil, Billy, Vasiliki, Vassiliki, Vasilia, Vaso, Vasso, Vasia

• Circumcision of the Lord

  Great Feast, Περιτομή του Κυρίου

  Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord Jesus Christ on the eighth day after His Nativity.

• Theodotos the Martyr

  Martyr, Θεόδοτος

  Holy Martyr Theodotos, who ended his contest by the sword.

  Name days: Theodotos, Theodotus

• Peter the Peloponnesian

  Martyr, Πέτρος ο Πελοποννήσιος

  New Martyr Peter of the Peloponnese, martyred for Christ in the eighteenth century.

• Telemachos the Monk-Martyr

  Martyr, Τηλέμαχος

  Monk who gave his life to end the gladiatorial games in Rome.

  Name days: Telemachos, Tilemachos, Telemachus