St. Gregory Palamas
St. Gregory Palamas was born in Constantinople in 1296 and, forsaking a promising career at the imperial court, became a monk on Mount Athos, where he was formed in the hesychast tradition of unceasing prayer.
In his Triads in Defense of the Holy Hesychasts he taught that man can truly experience God through His uncreated energies, the divine light seen at the Transfiguration, a teaching upheld by the Councils of Constantinople in 1341 and 1351. Consecrated Archbishop of Thessalonica in 1347, he shepherded his flock, endured imprisonment and a year of Turkish captivity, and reposed on November 14, 1359; he was glorified as a saint in 1368 and is also honored on the Second Sunday of Great Lent.
Let no one think, my brother Christians, that it is the duty only of priests and monks to pray without ceasing, and not of laymen. No, no; it is the duty of all of us Christians to remain always in prayer.
For God is not only beyond knowledge, but also beyond unknowing.
Lord, enlighten my darkness!
To the heights! To the heights!
Troparion
O light of Orthodoxy, teacher of the Church, its confirmation, O ideal of monks and invincible champion of theologians, O wonder-working Gregory, glory of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, always intercede before the Lord that our souls may be saved.
Kontakion
Holy and divine instrument of wisdom, joyful trumpet of theology, together we sing your praises, O God-inspired Gregory. Since you now stand before the Original Mind, guide our minds to Him, O Father, so that we may sing to you: "Rejoice, preacher of grace."
Saints around November 14
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