Commemoration of Basil the Great of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus and Gregory of Nyssa, Pastors and Confessors

Today we remember and give thanks for Basil the Great of Caesarea, Gregory of Nazianzus, and Gregory of Nyssa, Pastors and Confessors.  Basil and the two Gregorys, collectively known as the Cappadocian Fathers, were leaders of Christian orthodoxy in Asia Minor (modern Turkey) in the later fourth century. Basil and Gregory of Nyssa were brothers; Gregory of Nazianzus was their friend. All three were influential in shaping the theology confessed by the Council of Constantinople of 381, which is expressed in the Nicene Creed. Their defense of the doctrines of the Holy Spirit and Holy Trinity, together with their contributions to the liturgy of the Eastern Church, make them among the most influential Christian teachers and theologians of their time.

Collect of the Day:

Almighty God, You revealed to Your Church Your eternal being of glorious majesty and perfect love as one God in a Trinity of persons.  May Your Church, with pastors like Basil, Gregory and Gregory, receive grace to continue steadfast in the confession of the true faith and constant in our worship of You,  Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who live and reign, one God, now and forever.