St. Gregory the Wonderworker
Born around 213 into a pagan family of Neocaesarea in Pontus, Gregory (originally named Theodore) was converted and formed in the faith as a devoted student of Origen before returning home as bishop.
When he took up his see the city held only seventeen Christians; when he reposed around 270 to 275, only seventeen pagans remained, so powerfully did his preaching and his famous miracles draw the people to Christ. He is remembered for the vision in which the Theotokos and the Apostle John the Theologian revealed to him a precise confession of the Holy Trinity, a creed he wrote down and which his surviving writings preserve.
There is a perfect Trinity, in glory and eternity and sovereignty, neither divided nor estranged.
Neither was the Son ever wanting to the Father, nor the Spirit to the Son; but without variation and without change, the same Trinity abides ever.
The soul is free, and cannot be coerced by any means, not even though one should confine it and keep guard over it in some secret prison-house.
Ingratitude appears to me to be a dire evil; a dire evil indeed, yea, the direst of evils.
Troparion · Tone 8
You became worthy of your name through your way of life: through your vigilance in prayer and your constant works of mercy. Therefore, O Father Gregory, beseech Christ God to enlighten our minds, that we may not sleep in sin, which leads to death!
Kontakion · Tone 2
You received the power to perform miracles, frightening the devils and healing the sick through your wonderworking. All-wise Father Gregory, your deeds truly entitle you to be called Wonderworker!
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