<p>Basil and Gregory were born in the province of Cappadocia in Asia Minor about 330. Basil, who came from a deeply Christian family, was baptized only in his late twenties and in 358 decided to live as a hermit. So many joined him that he established a form of ascetic life lived in common, and his writings gave rise to the tradition of Byzantine monasticism which later influenced Saint Benedict. In 370, Basil was appointed Archbishop of Caesarea and led the battle in the East against the Arian heresy. He is considered one of the great orators of Christian history, a learned and holy leader. Patriarch of Eastern monks, he is a Doctor of the Church and one of the four great doctors of the Eastern Church (with Gregory Nazianzen, Athanasius and John Chrysostom).</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 4pt 0cm 0pt;">Gregory met Basil while studying in Caesarea and in Athens. For a time, Gregory lived at the monastery established by Basil. In 362, Gregory succeeded his father as Bishop of Nazianzus. Later, he was named Bishop of Sasima, where he confronted Arian heretics and restored orthodoxy to the Eastern Church. In 380, the newly baptized emperor appointed him Archbishop of Constantinople. A very successful preacher, Gregory was an eloquent defender of orthodoxy; he was often called 'the divine' and 'the theologian' because of the power of his teaching. He spent his last days in retreat and fasting. Gregory is also a Doctor of the Church.©2011 <em>Living with Christ, </em>Novalis - Bayard Press Canada Inc., <strong>http://www.livingwithchrist.ca/</strong>. Reprinted with permission.</p>
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