c. 325 – 750 AD

Gregory of Nyssa

335 – 395 AD

Nyssa, Turkey

Overview

Basil's younger brother; a mystic philosopher focused on the infinite progress of the soul.

Did You Know?

Held the controversial hope of apokatastasis—universal salvation for all souls eventually.

Historical Note

Saint*

He was a Universalist (Apokatastasis), hoping that hell was temporary and even the Devil would be purified.

Status: Saint (with asterisk). The Church decided that his life was holy and his defense of the Trinity was perfect, so they overlook his error on hell as a 'hopeful speculation.'

Major Writings

The Great Catechism

Systematic instruction on the faith.

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Life of Moses

Allegory of the soul's spiritual progress.

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On the Soul and the Resurrection

Dialogue on death and afterlife.

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Read Gregory of Nyssa’s Commentary

See what Gregory of Nyssa wrote about Scripture. Open any book in the Bible reader and switch to the Commentary tab to find their insights.

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Historical Context

The Golden Age: Greek (Eastern) Fathers

The architects of Orthodoxy who defined the Trinity and Christology in the East.

10 Church Fathers in this era

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Part of The Golden Age: Greek (Eastern) Fathers