A younger brother of Basil the Great, he became bishop of Nyssa in Cappadocia and defended Trinitarian faith against Arianism. He took part in the Council of Constantinople, and his mystical writings make him a great Eastern Father.
Life
Saint Gregory of Nyssa was born in fourth-century Cappadocia in Asia Minor. He was the younger brother of Saint Basil the Great and was deeply shaped in faith by his sister, Saint Macrina. He first taught rhetoric, but at Basil's urging he became bishop of Nyssa.
The Church at that time was badly shaken by the Arian controversy, which denied the divinity of Christ. Gregory wrote in defense of the Trinitarian faith, was for a time driven from his see, and played an important part at the Council of Constantinople in 381. He is also known for spiritual writings such as The Life of Moses, and he died around 395. With Basil and Gregory of Nazianzus he is counted among the Cappadocian Fathers.
Spirituality
Gregory's spirituality is an endless journey toward God. He taught that because God is infinite, the more the soul comes to know Him, the more deeply it longs for Him. The life of faith is not completed all at once but is a growth that draws a little closer to God each day.
Reflection
Saint Gregory saw faith as an endless journey. When your spiritual life feels stuck in place, what small step could you take today to draw a little closer to God?