By Rev. Ronald Jansen
Cappadocia was an area in what is now central turkey. In the later 300’s two brothers, a sister and a friend came out this area to become among the most influential Christian teachers and theologians of their time.
They were the brothers Basil the Great of Caesarea, Gregory of Nyssa and their sister Macrina. Their friend’s name was Gregory of Nazianzus. The three men influenced the theology of the Nicene Creed that was ratified by the Council of Constantinople in 381.
They defended the doctrines of the Holy Spirit and the Holy Trinity and contributed to the liturgy of the Orthodox church.
All four individuals took different paths in their lives. Basil was influenced by his sister Macrina to live a monastic life. His longer and Shorter Rule are the basis for Eastern monasticism to this day. They emphasize the communal life as opposed to that of a life as a hermit.
Basil’s younger brother Gregory of Nyssa is remembered for his writings on spiritual living and contemplating God in worship and sacraments.
Their sister Macrina received an excellent bible centered education. When her fiance died she devoted herself to pursuing Christian perfection in her life. She led a community based on the family estate near Caesarea that was dedicated to ascetic meditation and prayer.
The final member of the Cappadocians was Gregory of Nazianzus. He was sent to Constantinople to preach on behalf of the Orthodox faith. Despite the Council of Nicea in 325, Arian teachings were still prevalent in many places. Simply put, Arius proposed that the Son of God was not quite equal to the Father. However, Gregory succeeded in winning over the city to the Orthodox teaching on the Trinity and Christ.
Prayer 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 leaders like the Cappadocians, 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.
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