Saint · 275
Gregory Thaumaturgus
Saint Gregory the Wonderworker, Bishop of Neo-Cæsarea († c. 266-270)
New Calendar November 17 Old Calendar November 30
Why they are a saint
Gregory Thaumaturgus or Gregory the Miracle-Worker, also known as Gregory of Neocaesarea, was a Christian bishop of the 3rd century. He has been canonized as a saint in the Catholic and Orthodox Churches.
Life
Saint Gregory the Wonderworker, originally named Theodore, was born between 210 and 215 in Neocaesarea to a prominent pagan family. Studying law in Beirut, he found truth in the Gospel and became a Christian, then studied for eight years under Origen in Alexandria, who baptized him.
Bishop Phaidemos of Amaseia wished to make him Bishop of Neocaesarea; Gregory hid himself, and was consecrated in his absence, accepting this as God's will. Tradition says the Theotokos appeared to him with the Apostle John, who taught him how to speak of the Holy Trinity, and Gregory wrote down this Symbol of Faith.
Through his holy life, preaching and miracles many were converted: when he came to his see there were only seventeen Christians in Neocaesarea, and at his repose only seventeen pagans remained.
Sources: OCA Lives of the Saints. Retold in our own words.
Traditional patronage
The cited source names no specific patronage.
Patronage / why chosen as patron
Orthodox Christians usually take Gregory Thaumaturgus as a patron when they bear the name Gregory at baptism, or were born or baptized near the feast on November 17. As a bishop, he is also remembered by clergy and those who serve the Church.
Prayer
O holy Gregory Thaumaturgus, pray to God for us.
A short general prayer to a saint, not a liturgical text. No public-domain troparion for this saint is included.