Gregory of Nazianzus's Letter Collection: The Complete Translation (Volume 7)

Christianity in Late Antiquity

by Gregory of Nazianzus, Bradley K. Storin (Translator)

Saint Gregory of Nazianzus, also known as Gregory the Theologian, lived an illustrious life as an orator, poet, priest, and bishop. Until his death, he wrote scores of letters to friends and colleagues, clergy members and philosophers, teachers of rhetoric and literature, and high-ranking officials at the provincial and imperial levels, many of which are preserved in his self-designed letter collection. Here, for the first time in English, Bradley K. Storin has translated the complete collection, offering readers a fresh view on Gregory’s life, social and cultural engagement, leadership in the church, and literary talents. Accompanying the translation are an introduction, a prosopography, and annotations that situate Gregory’s letters in their biographical, literary, and historical contexts. This translation is an essential resource for scholars and students of late antiquity and early Christianity.

248 pages, Paperback

Published December 17, 2019

About the author

Gregory of Nazianzus (Greek: Γρηγόριος ὁ Ναζιανζηνός Grēgorios ho Nazianzēnos; c. 329–25 January 390), also known as Gregory the Theologian or Gregory Nazianzen, was a 4th-century Archbishop of Constantinople, and theologian. He is widely considered the most accomplished rhetorical stylist of the patristic age. As a classically trained orator and philosopher he infused Hellenism into the early church, establishing the paradigm of Byzantine theologians and church officials.

Gregory made a significant impact on the shape of Trinitarian theology among both Greek- and Latin-speaking theologians, and he is remembered as the "Trinitarian Theologian". Much of his theological work continues to influence modern theologians, especially in regard to the relationship among the three Persons of the Trinity. Along with the brothers Basil the Great and Gregory of Nyssa, he is known as one of the Cappadocian Fathers.

Gregory is a saint in both Eastern and Western Christianity. In the Roman Catholic Church he is numbered among the Doctors of the Church; in the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches he is revered as one of the Three Holy Hierarchs, along with Basil the Great and John Chrysostom.

He is also one of only three men in the life of the Orthodox Church who have been officially designated "Theologian" by epithet, the other two being St. John the Theologian (the Evangelist), and St. Symeon the New Theologian.

Reviews

[Christian Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of Gregory’s letters is valuable as they give insight into the man and how he feuded with friends and foes. A beautiful writer, Gregory articulates truth, humility, and love so well in these letters. I would love to read the responses he received from them. Storin does a superb job of translating and providing a brief introduction.

[Tan-yeo LaySuan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a pleasure reading Gregory's letters. His letters are another ministry in and of itself since he was mostly unwell and even immobile. Clearly he is an old saint astutely aware of the inward movements of the heart. I found his various counsel wise and they continue to be suitable when managing clerical partnerships, authority and duties. I am mostly bowed over by his conscientious spirit to lend a hand to those who have been disadvantaged in the "politics" of the church community. I certainly am looking forward to meeting him when Jesus comes again!