SAINT FEAST DAY 2 JANUARY: ST BASIL AND ST GREGORY

 

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATED IN JANUARY

Saints celebrated on the 2nd of January

WELCOME!

SAINT BASIL THE GREAT AND SAINT GREGORY NAZIANZEN

Saint Basil and Saint Gregory were life-long friends.

ST BASIL 

Basil was born at Caesarea in Cappadocia about A.D. 330. His family was Christian. He was a brilliant student, but for some years followed a monastic way of life. In 370 he was appointed Bishop of Caesarea. His monastic rules are still followed today by monks of the Eastern Church. He actively fought against the Arian heresy; he defended the poor, and did much to help them. He died January 1, 379.

ST GREGORY

Gregory was born near Nazianzus, also in Cappadocia, and also about A.D. 330. He, too, followed the monastic way of life for some years. He was ordained priest, and became Bishop of Constantinople in 379, when the Arian controversy was at its height. He was forced to retire to Nazianzus, where he died on January 25, 389, or 390. His learning and his powers of oratory were remarkable, and he was called ‘The Theologian’.

PRAYER:

God our Father,

you inspired the Church

with the example and teaching

of your saints Basil and Gregory.

In humility may we come to know your truth

and put it into action with faith and love.

Amen.

➡️ The Translation of Saint Gregory Nazianzen