Gregory of Nyssa – who was that?

Gregory of Nyssa is one of the “Big Cappadocians” (together with Basil of Caesarea and his friend Gregory of Nazianzus). In Eastern church he is called one of the most important theologists, especially for monastic and mystic traditions.

About 340 years ago, Gregory of Nyssa was born as younger brother of Basil of Caesarea. As a child, he was raised by his older sister Makrina in a Christian way, which was typical for the development of female monasticism. In the sixties he was already a clerical lector. At the same time he must have dealt with pagan education, as it is concluded from his writings. For some time he worked as a rhetor and was married. In 371/372 his brother trusted him with the newly built diocese of Nyssa to strengthen Basil’s own position in the conflict of the province of Cappadocia. After Basil’s death, Gregory of Nyssa was (thematically) responsible for Basil’s theology. He continued his projects with Eunomius and continued developing Basil’s doctrine of the Trinity. Three aspects were most important: referring back to Nizänum, differentiation of Ousia and Hypostasis, as well as acknowledgement of the Holy Spirit as part of god. These aspects were dismissed by the council of Constantinople in 381. This council also announced Gregory of Nyssa as one of the norm bishops, with whom you had to agree to not be dismissed as heretic. On several synods Gregory enforced his dogmas of 381. He could escape an announcement of being bishop of Sebaste by establishing his brother Petrus. In the following years, Gregory composed his greatest literary works, such as interpretations of genesis, the Song of Solomon, the paternoster and others. Other important works are his documents about soul and resurrection, a fictional dialogue with his sister Makrina and a series of smaller documents about the doctrine of the Trinity and Antirrheticus against Apolinarius of Laodicea. His exact day of death is unknown.