Gregory of Nyssa

Gregory of Nyssa (Koine Greek: Γρηγόριος Νύσσης, romanized: Grēgórios Nýssēs, pronounced [ɣriˈɣo.ri.os ˈnys.sis]; c. 335 – c. 394), also known as Gregory Nyssen (Γρηγόριος Νυσσηνός, Grēgórios Nyssēnós, [ɣriˈɣo.ri.os nys.siˈnos]), was an early Christian theologian who served as the bishop of Nyssa from 372 to 376 and from 378 until his death in 394. He is venerated as a saint in Eastern Orthodoxy, the Catholic Church, Oriental Orthodox Churches, Anglicanism, and Lutheranism. Gregory, his elder brother Basil of Caesarea, and their friend Gregory of Nazianzus are collectively known as the Cappadocian Fathers.

Gregory lacked the administrative ability of his brother Basil or the contemporary influence of Gregory of Nazianzus, but he was an erudite Christian theologian who made significant contributions to the doctrine of the Trinity and the Nicene Creed. Gregory's philosophical writings were influenced by Origen. Since the mid-twentieth century, there has been a significant increase in interest in Gregory's works from the academic community, particularly involving universal salvation, which has resulted in challenges to many traditional interpretations of his theology. Gregory is also notable for being the first person in recorded history to have written against all forms of slavery, declaring the institution inherently sinful.